Thanksgiving Survival Guide (Tips To Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain)

Worried about packing the extra holiday pounds?

The holidays are here, and the thought of cutting those calories can be very difficult. All the hard work to stay trim during the year can backfire during this time of the year, but here are a few helpful tips to stay healthy and minimize consumption of those fatty holiday treats.

First, remember that the eye sees more than the stomach. The moral is to eat small portions and take your time eating them. It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes after consumption to realize that you are full; as a result, eating slowly gives the body enough time to realize when you’ve eaten too much. Next, and probably the most important thing is to divide your portions accordingly. A colorful plate is a well-balanced plate. Remember that half is vegetables, a quarter is lean protein, and a quarter is low carbohydrates. Keeping this in mind, it would be conducive to plan what you want to eat before diving right in. Try hard to maintain those portions, especially if you do not plan on exercising during your time with your family.

During holiday feasting, it’s also wise to make substitutions. Eat sweet mashed potatoes instead of regular white potatoes, cook baked goods instead of frying them, and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for some dishes. Lastly, make sacrifices. Who does not love pumpkin pie? It’s good to treat yourself during the holiday season, but give up one thing you like eating for the next. Have your pie, but avoid adding the extra calories with whipped cream.

- Khadijha Stewart

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November 23rd, 2011 | Mara | Comments Off |