You know you shouldn’t go food shopping on an empty stomach. The same is true for gatherings. Many people make the error of “calorie-saving” for the party. But that strategy backfires because we lose control and consume much too many calories when we’re hungry. Instead, take a nutritious snack before heading to a party, such as a yogurt combined with high fiber cereal or hummus with vegetables.
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Stick To Your Eating Plan
When significant portions of your routine are thrown off, it is all too simple to forget to have a balanced meal. You might start starving by noticing you skipped lunch and are more prone to overeat in the following hours. Even if the remainder of your day is a whirlwind of holiday festivities, try to stick to your usual meal and snack timings. Also, don’t go too long without eating or drinking. Typically it’s advised to eat something every three to four hours, but discover whatever regular time suits you and attempt to keep to it.
Get Moving Whenever Possible
While physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your mood, it can also help strengthen your determination to adopt healthier dietary choices. There’s also no reason to double up on exercises or add another sweat session to your schedule. This time of year, it’s all about getting out and about as much as you can! Try walking while doing something else, like talking on the phone with loved ones or listening to a podcast. Even little bursts of action, whether you’re reorganizing the basement to pull out holiday decorations or wobbling on ice skates with your nieces, contribute toward your objectives. Movement, movement, movement!
Select Pleasant Snacks
Snacks may be smaller than meals, but they can have a significant impact on how satisfied your whole diet feels. So don’t settle for uninteresting bites! The more delicious your snacks, the less likely you will be to, well, keep hunting for snacks. Spiced frozen grapes, herbed vegetable chips, and gingery edamame are some fun, accessible possibilities. To keep satiated, mix and match fiber and protein. A crisp apple with sharp cheese, a banana covered with a tablespoon of peanut butter, or carrot slices dipped in creamy hummus are all quick choices.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Even mild dehydration can trigger headaches, sap energy, and impair mood—not exactly a formula for holiday pleasure. Consider carrying a water bottle with you throughout these hectic days so you can hydrate early and often. Keep in mind that what you drink is essential. While sugary beverages such as soda and fruit punch theoretically count toward your daily water objectives, they nevertheless add calories from added sugar to your day and can rapidly deplete your daily health. Therefore, combining spirits with sparkling water is recommended and finishing with a squeeze of citruses, such as lime or grapefruit, for added taste. Of course, a fruit-filled garnish of any kind makes things more festive! How about some sparkling water with a cocktail umbrella and a cherry on top?
Eat A Lot Of Vegetables
Filling half your plate with vegetables is a pretty straightforward strategy to avoid additional pounds. In addition, these fiber-filled meals will help you feel more satiated overall. So go ahead and make some stuffing with gravy, then serve it with salad and green beans. Another simple approach to increase your vegetable intake is to replace grains in your favorite side dishes with veggies.
Conclusion
When you arrive at the party, instead of going “autopilot” and diving into every dish, take a quick inventory of the delights. Choose two or three of the less healthy foods you want to taste. Stick to healthier selections for the rest of the meal, such as fresh fruit, salads, and lean meats. Volunteer to bring some food to a gathering to guarantee a healthy meal alternative. Fresh vegetables with a low-fat dip, fresh fruit, low-fat cheese, multi-grain crackers, whole wheat pita, hummus, or chilled shrimp are all healthful, simple alternatives. And you already know how much the party host will enjoy it. However, be honest with yourself and admit that it would be unrealistic not to indulge in some holiday goodies. The idea is to do it consciously and sparingly. Also, keep in mind that the Christmas season is about more than just eating junk.
