Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Isn’t it such a wonderful time of year? Sure, it can be stressful and not to mention, BUSY. It is definitely that way here. Matthew is running around like a maniac exploring every inch of…well, everything. I’m lucky if I can get a complete thought out in my head much less think about what gifts I still need to get, what am I going to cook, or how much longer do I have before I must send out Christmas cards before summer of next year…
But I digress. Seeing that little beaming smile when he pokes at the Christmas tree and the warm feelings of love, food, and family around this time makes it all worth it. Did I mention food? *Sing song voice* “It’s that time of year, holiday food up to your ears!” You may be recovering from Thanksgiving and now you have all the winter holiday treats to look forward to.
Do you also feel pangs of guilt this time of year? Many of us do. Don’t worry, I’m not going to slap a turkey leg out of your hand. Believe it or not, there are ways to still enjoy Aunt Mabel’s beautiful Christmas cookies and not beat yourself up about it. Here are some tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
- Don’t skip meals in preparation for the “big” meal. It is tempting to wait thinking you will save some calories, but it may actually cause you to eat way more than you intended.
- It’s okay to indulge a little this time of year. Don’t plan on losing weight during this time. Instead focus on maintaining your current weight rather than feel upset that you did not lose.
- Don’t restrict yourself from your favorite dishes. Just enjoy in moderation.
- Plan a little physical activity during the day to counterbalance some of the extra calories. A little walk, shopping, or throwing the football around counts.
- Before filling your plate, take a look at all the options first, then pick your favorites. Include some fruit/vegetables.
- After preparing gravy, refrigerate. This makes it easier to skim extra fat off the top.
- Skip the skin on the turkey. This saves you 11 grams saturated fat per 3 oz serving of meat.
- Green Bean Casserole: Try cooking fresh green beans with chunks of potatoes rather than cream soups. Serve with almonds instead of fried onion rings.
- Fill your day with non-food related activities with your friends and family. This includes doing a puzzle, playing games, seeing holiday lights, etc.
- Watch out for sneaky liquid calories from beverages, including alcohol. Every milliliter of alcohol has 7 cal, not including what’s in the drink mixes.
- Enjoy your meal, slowly. Take time to savor each bite. The more you rush, the more likely you will eat more than you intended. Wait 10-15 min before going for seconds.
- Have New Year resolutions or just want to start the new year off right? Need diet help and live in the SA/New Braunfels area? Come see me at Food 4 Success, LLC. Check out my website: www.food4success.com for more information.
From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! Enjoy every moment and make sweet memories.
