HOLIDAY EATING

The Holiday season is here and with it comes the high calorie food. It seems to be everywhere! Baked goods at the office, cookies at home, candy waiting for stockings in the cabinet, potlucks, gifts given to you of sweet treats, parties and gatherings with large spreads of food. You’re literally surrounded by temptations and empty calories. Allow me to share a few strategies to keep the pounds off the scale and the inches from around your waist this holiday season.

PICK YOUR PARTY
You can GO to all the parties but don’t eat all the bad food at all the parties. Pick one party on your calendar that you’ll allow yourself to indulge and for the remainder of the parties stick with the healthier options.

VEGETABLES FIRST
No matter where you go or what your entrée is, fill your plate with vegetables first and take up at least half your plate. Filling up with high fiber nutritionally dense foods will help you mitigate your calorie intake.

PICK YOUR TREAT
If you decide you’re at a party and something looks too delicious to pass up or you only get to eat something this time of the year then EAT IT! Sometimes saying “no” too often or to something you want too much will set you up for a binge. If you decide to eat a treat, just pick your favorite indulgence and eat ONE serving.

DRINK WATER
An enormous amount of calories can be consumed before you ever even chew your first bite of food. Instead of drinking sugary and/or alcoholic beverages, drink water! Especially drink water at the party where you’re planning to eat all the higher calorie foods.

PASS ON SECOND HELPINGS 
Chances are you have had enough to eat after your first serving of food. Savor every bite and call it good. Taking more will leave you in calorie overload, feeling bloated and disappointed. Is that really worth it?
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Take those five steps and you’ll be having a healthier holiday season!