3 Strategies To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
1. Holiday Parties:
Never go to a party too hungry. Have a balanced snack before you go so that your “I AM STARVING’ brain doesn’t kick in and suggest that you eat everything at the party.
This goes for big dinners too. I recommend eating your regular breakfast and a lighter lunch and a snack on days when there will be a larger meal.
Survey the entire array of foods. Note which foods/drinks are your favorite. Make a plate of food and move away from the buffet to eat. Sit and relax while eating. Lingering around the food has been shown (yes they really do research on this stuff) to cause you to eat more!
Alternate beverages with ice water with lime. If you have a glass of water in your hand you are less likely to consume too many calories and/or alcoholic beverages. If you are hosting the party, provide plenty of water, sparkling and still, for your guests.
2. Food at work:
The dreaded never ending bowl of candy/cookies/chocolate covered anything! Remember to stay on your regular eating schedule. Don’t skip meals and try to recognize if you are eating when you are not hungry. If so, back away from the bowl and get some fresh air for stress relief.
3. Food at home:
I recommend keeping food off the counters and away in containers to be brought out when you are hungry. Snacking on even a few little treats here and there when you are not hungry can lead to weight gain and decreased performance.
In general, eat when you are hungry, stop when you feel satisfied. Think about what you really want and eat it mindfully. Be present with food and enjoy every last bite. There are no “off limits” foods. You don’t need to eat it all now, because you can have more later, when you are hungry.
Momentum Nutrition and Fitness:
Emily Edison, MS.RD.ACSM-HFI
Phone: 206-696-4386
Fax: 425-806-4640
Although I got a late start, I’ve been a serious runner since 1994. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on my 30th Birthday. It’s been my goal to run the Boston Marathon since then. I missed qualifying by 12 minutes that year. I needed to run 3:40 and ran 3:52. Running in the most prestigious marathon, is the ultimate for most runners. The fact that you have to qualify, only fueled my competitive juices.
Over the next 9 years I ran 6 more marathons. I love running so much that I became a 
1 comment:
Strategy #4: Do not bake all of the yummy cookies and such that remind you of grandma. They’ll only make you think you’re 5 years old and capable of eating sweets until you drop. Nostalgia at the holidays adds pounds!