5 Easy Tips to Get Through Your Holiday Dinner

As children, most of us skipped a big breakfast on Christmas morning for two reasons. The first was we were too busy playing with our new toys, and the second was we wanted to "save room" for the big dinner ahead. As the years have passed, this has changed for almost all of us. Now we want to avoid over eating at the big dinner. Seems unlikely, right?

If you follow these 5 easy tips, you will enjoy your holiday meal without guilt or an extra 10 pounds!

1. Don't skip breakfast. Eat a breakfast high in protein and fiber to ensure you stay full longer. Try some whole grain oats with blueberries and honey or whole grain toast with 2 Tablespoons of honey.

2. Stay hydrated. Drink at least 8 ounces of water per hour. This will ensure that your body does not make the very common mistake of feeling hungry when you are actually thirsty. Remaining hydrated also keeps your stomach feeling a little fuller for that big meal.

3. If you are cooking the big meal, be sure that you taste only when necessary. Grazing on the delectable foods is just as hazardous to your waistline as eating a load of it at once.

4. Depending on the time of the meal, be sure that you have snacks available, and a healthy lunch. Snacks that are the best for this type of day are vegetable sticks, small slices of fruit, or a handful of nuts. Stay away from the cookie table when your belly begins to grumble

5. Watch what you drink. There are hidden calories everywhere. The basic red wine has about 100 calories per glass, white wine contains about 103 to over 200 calories per glass, and eggnog contains a whopping 230 calories. These are based on 4 ounce glasses. Be sure to monitor your drink calories as well. If you want a few cookies or some pie, drink water instead of alcohol or eggnog.

Follow these tips and you can enjoy your holiday meal with your family and friends without calculating calories or adding up the laps you will have to run the next day. Since many of us tend to do this, we are unable to truly enjoy our families and friends. Don't let that happen to you!

Indulge a little and have a wonderful holiday! With the above simple and easy activities listed above, your day will be simpler, relaxing, and joyful.

Happy Holidays!