How to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain

First off let me say thank you for your patience. I know it has been a while since my last post. Life has been extremely hectic. Between my job (don’t get me started) and my darling son (who I love dearly but is giving me a run for my money) I haven’t had the time or the energy for anything else. Thanks for sticking with me!

Geez…is it the holidays already? The decorations are up (many have been up since before Thanksgiving) and the parties are in full swing. You can’t walk into any establishment without Christmas carols blasting away. If you’re not into the Christmas cheer…too bad. Commercialism will shove it down your throat. And if you’re trying to watch your waistline it is so much harder during this time of year. Walk into any Starbuck’s and the first thing they ask you is if you want to try their latest calorie-laden drink of the holiday season. Nevermind the fact that some specialty coffees have more fat than a cheeseburger from McDonald’s. (Yes, they really do.)

Holiday parties are the worst. By the time you get there you are starving and maybe stressed and ready for a drink…or three. If you’re anything like me, when you drink you tend to eat more. (Do I care less about what I eat or actually get hungrier? I haven’t figured that one out.) Below are some tips to help you through this holiday season without gaining 10-15 pounds.

Before descending upon that holiday party, eat a healthy, high protein snack. A grilled or boiled chicken breast is perfect. It helps fill you up, is low calorie, and part of a nutritious, high-protein diet. You will be less likely to binge when you arrive at your party.

Drinking. Choose low calorie drinks versus egg nog or holiday concoctions. Vodka and water with a lemon twist is the lowest calorie drink you can choose, or choose a glass of wine if vodka is not available. Avoid creams like egg nogs or juices. There are 120 calories in one serving of juice; four drinks and you have almost 500 calories. It adds up fast.

When going through the buffet line load up on items that you know are healthier and serve yourself just one or two bites of items that you know are calorie or fat-laden. That way, you fill up on vegetables and high-protein items but still get to savor the yummy items.

Also on the buffet line, use the big plate for your salad (low fat dressing on the side) and the smaller plate for your main course. Study after study has shown that we eat less from smaller dishes because our brain equates that to a full plate.

At your favorite coffee shop, avoid holiday specialty items. These items are full of fat and calories. Be especially weary of items that are blended and are topped with whipped cream. Choose the “lite” versions or “skim milk” varieties. You will be cutting at least half of your calories and probably 3/4 of the fat.

When shopping carry snacks with you like nuts, pretzels, and even gum. It’s a fact that if you have gum in your mouth you are less likely to grab a sample, even if you’re hungry. (Besides, do you know how many people have touched, coughed and sneezed on those samples?? Keep moving!!)

At family or office dinner/lunch parties, offer to bring a healthy dish. Even if you don’t have to bring a dish, the host or hostess will probably be most grateful and you will then have a safe “go to” dish.

As you head out into this festive holiday season, leave those extra pounds out in the snow (or just outside, for those of us in the south). You will be so grateful on January 1 when one of your resolutions does not have to be to lose those added pounds. Happy Holidays!!

Still Rockin’ It.
Scarlet Mom