Tips for Dieters to Survive the Christmas Season

Amy Brantley
The entire month of December can seem like torture for those trying to lose weight. Not only are their treats at the office, but you're also expected to make candy for the family and cupcakes for school parties. How can dieters make it through the Christmas season? Believe it or not, there are a few tricks dieters can use to stay sane during the month of December.

Brush Your Teeth Before Making Christmas Treats

It can be tempting to munch on ingredients as you make your holiday treats. A bite here and a bite there and before you know it, you've consumed way too many calories. To help keep you from munching on those high fat ingredients, brush your teeth. Most foods taste horrible right after brushing your teeth. It may seem crazy, but you'll find it hard to enjoy that piece of chocolate with the taste of toothpaste in your month.

Keep Low Fat Treats Handy

Whether you're trying to avoid office holiday goodies or the candy you've made for your family at home, a good way to avoid the temptation is having your own treats. There are a number of low calorie holiday treats that dieters can enjoy. Candy canes, for example, have less than 100 calories. Another Christmas snack with less than 100 calories is gingerbread cookies from Little Debbie. Dieters can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate for a little over 100 calories. Last, but not least, try adding a holiday flavored creamer to your coffee. Remember that while these treats are low in calories, that doesn't mean you can eat as much as you want. Stick to the serving sizes.

Eat Before Going to Family Buffets

Christmas buffets can be so tempting for dieters. Unfortunately, many Christmas foods are loaded with fat and calories. The typical holiday meal contains over 3,000 calories and 229 grams of fat. Instead of stuffing yourself to the brim at the buffet, stuff yourself before you leave the house. Take some time before you leave to eat a large salad of lettuce, shredded carrots, tomatoes and whatever other vegetables you like on your salad. Add a fat-free dressing, but avoid any high calorie ingredients, such as cheese. Loading up on vegetables before the buffet will leave little room for high fat foods. This way, you can taste a bit of each dish at the buffet without feeling guilty or gaining weight.

Sources:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101123/FEATURES04/11230310/Holiday-health-quiz-Myth-or-Fact-

Published by Amy Brantley - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

A passionate writer who specializes in food-related content and has hopes of changing the way people think about cooking. Has published over a thousand pieces of food-related content. Amy is available for wr...  View profile

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