Your Diet and the Holidays

Many people grow more and more concerned about their diet as it comes closer to the holiday season. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and soon after that will be Christmas. All of the tempting holiday meals with turkey, ham, pies, cakes, and special cookies, it can be the nightmare of anyone trying to keep their weight down. Don’t despair. There is a way to have your cake and eat it, too.

Tips for dieting on Thanksgiving

Eat breakfast. Starving yourself in the morning before the big Thanksgiving meal will only tempt you to pig out. Have a small breakfast to start up your metabolism. This way your body will burn calories faster than if you had fasted. Not eating in the morning will only slow your body down, and cause it to store calories when you do start to eat again.

Moderation is key. Take a little taste of all your favorite things. You don’t have to deny yourself of the foods that you love the most if you cut back on your less favorite dishes. Don’t stuff yourself at dinner. Save room for that pumpkin pie! When it comes to dessert, have a small taste. Remember, you can probably get a hold of leftovers and spread the calorie intake throughout the weekend, instead of stuffing down in one afternoon.

Eat slowly. It takes up to 20 minutes for your body to realize that you are full. Savor each bite and chew thoroughly. When you begin to feel full, take a break. If you really want a second helping, wait at least 15 minutes. If you still don’t feel full, than grab about half the amount you got the first time. You might decide that you don’t really want the second plate of food, and choose to pack some leftovers to enjoy over the weekend.

Tips for dieting on Christmas

You still have time to drop a pound or two before the end of December. If you have already reached your goal weight, losing an extra pound can help you maintain your goal through the end of the year. Don’t overindulge, because it is easier to gain a pound than it is to lose one. You don’t want to miscalculate and gain three pounds after only losing one.

When it comes to the Christmas dinner, the same rules from Thanksgiving apply. Have breakfast, use moderation, and eat slowly. Don’t forget the possibility of leftovers!

Many families traditionally have special cookies, pies, cakes, and candy every year. Instead of indulging in every last one, choose the one or two that you might enjoy the most. Have only a small serving (one cookie, one slice). You can enjoy yourself without the guilt after enjoying a special treat.

Tips for the New Year

Many people plan to start that new diet January 1st. If you are like most people, the diet did not last you the whole year. The best thing to do during the holiday season is to prepare yourself for a lifestyle change. Losing a few pounds on a crash diet is the least effective way to staying trim. Don’t wait for the special New Year’s Day to change your habits. Start right away. By the time the New Year comes around, you will be mentally prepared to continue to commit to a healthier lifestyle, and you will have already had some practice in disciplining yourself.

Dieting is overrated. Lifestyle change is how people become successful at maintaining a healthy weight. Becoming more active, eating more fruit and vegetables, and reducing stress are all ways that weight loss can happen and be maintained long-term. With moderation and balance with the types of food you eat, and plenty of exercise, you don’t have to ‘be on a diet.’ You can just be a healthy individual who makes healthy choices.