Thanksgiving is here, and we’ll pause to remember the Pilgrims’ thankful feast. A month after that we’ll celebrate the birth of Christ and then comes new beginnings as we ring in 2007. What a wonderful time to enjoy food, friends and family.
The food part may have you stressed if you tend to eat too many goodies from November to January and put on holiday pounds. Here are some tips for keeping a healthy eating perspective as you venture into this holiday season.
1. Remember to eat some stuff you love. Don’t punish yourself by not eating the special foods associated with the season. Instead of eating everything you love, pick one or two special foods for each holiday celebration. Or try limiting your portions to give you more variety.
2. Don’t skip meals. When you plan to go to a party, don’t skip meals before or after the celebration. Skipping meals creates a cycle of famine-feast-famine, which causes you to overeat during events. Consider consuming fewer calories before and after but always eat, and drink plenty of water.
3. Don’t stand around the food table. Once you fill your plate, move away from the buffet table. Find a place to sit and socialize. Always sit and eat slowly. A good conversation will help slow down the eating process, and you’ll feel like you’ve had enough. Standing while you eat makes it easier to head back to the food table.
4. Exercise is important. Start new traditions with family and friends in order to get some exercise. Go ice skating, sledding or skiing for a holiday activity. Walk around the neighborhood to see the holiday lights. Fun holiday activities are great ways to exercise.
5. Prioritize your time. Planning physical activities during the holidays is an effective way to stay healthy. Exercise will reduce your holiday stress, suppress your appetite and burn calories. Make sure your holiday exercise activities last more than 30 minutes. Need to go to the mall for holiday shopping? Get in a good power-walk as you window shop.
Remember, your goal is not to lose weight but prevent weight gain and have better eating habits. Stay focused on a balance of food intake and physical activity. Maintaining this balance is the healthiest approach to preventing weight gain during the holidays.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a blessed Christmas.
