Eat, Drink and Be Healthy Over the Holidays

It starts with the Halloween candy and ends with chocolate Easter bunnies....Holiday bingeing on sweets and traditional treats.

During the Christmas season the opportunities to overindulge is endless. We are told, 'tis the season to be jolly', but for many the Christmas season is full of anxiety and sadness. Many self medicate holiday stress by excess drinking and overeating, and then feel worse.

The Christmas holidays are some of the most festive times of the year and the most fattening. Traditional holiday food puts the appetite in high gear. The temptation to overeat is everywhere.

By New Years many of us are avoiding the scales and thinking about how we are going to undue the damage done to our waistlines. Joining a health club, going on a diet, and losing weight are the most common New Year resolutions.

The good news is there is a happy medium between starving yourself and stuffing yourself. You can enjoy the treats of the season without feeling guilty and losing control. Rather than trying to lose weight, try to avoid gaining weight.

Focus on weight management not weight loss.

- Have a plan. This is not the time to go on a diet.

- Eat before you go to a party. A cup of soup, a small protein snack like chicken or

cottage cheese and a cup of tea will fill your stomach.

- Bring a low calorie dish to share.

- Have the party at your house and send home the leftovers.

Stay Active

- Walk before or after your holiday meal. Resist the temptation to take a nap.

- Make plans to exercise inside the house in case of bad weather.

- Limit time in front of the television unless you are playing an exercise game or video

Navigating the Buffet Table.

- Pick and choose but don't deprive yourself. Bypass everyday foods like macaroni,

bread and butter, or potato salad . Choose seasonal favorites you don't usually eat, and

enjoy them.

- Forget the chips and dip. Save room and sample the special Holiday stuff.

- Take smaller portions and make low fat choices when you can.

- Pace yourself, take small bites and eat slowly.

- Don't hang around the buffet table......Socialize or help the host or hostess.

- Don't be afraid to say "No thank you."

- If you drink, select light wines and beer instead of mixed drinks. Eggnog and fruit

punch are high in calories. Bring along some fancy sparkling water to share.

- Sip your sparkling water from a nice wine or champagne glass. .

- If you must graze choose fresh vegetables and fruit.

Eat, drink and be merry.

It is unrealistic to give up all your favorite foods during the holidays. Choose the food you just can't do without. Sample the special stuff. Plan ahead. Remember moderation and small portions.

If you happen to slip up, there is always tomorrow. Enjoy the holidays, have fun and keep your holiday eating expectations realistic. Go ahead and have some stuffing!

Sources:

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cfocus/cfholidays06focus2htm

http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Guide-to-Healthy-Eating-During-the-Holidays

Personal Experience