Tips on Surviving Holiday Eating and Drinking - Nutrition & Health: Chicago Style
Jenny Schwartz
Jenny Schwartz
- Don't go to a holiday meal starving. Eat throughout the day before a heavy dinner so that you won't overeat.
- Portion control! Try a small portion of all your favorites so you don't deprive yourself.
- Watch out for liquid calories. Alcohol, juice/cider, eggnog- all these drinks have calories.
- Little extras add up. Butter on your bread, sour cream on your potato, one more bacon wrapped date appetizer- account for everything you put in your mouth.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water during the day and between drinks to prevent mindless eating and drinking.
- Use small plates or napkins for your food. The smaller the surface, the less food you will eat at one time.
- Slow down! Take your time eating, chew slowly, put your fork down between bites- you may realize you're actually full before it's too late.
- Control your emotions. Don't dwell on "poor nutrition choices" or let guilt take over. Just move forward and do better next time.
- No food is "bad." Eat what you love and enjoy the holidays. Just make sure to watch your portions of some foods and decide what foods are worth the calories.
- Exercise! Try to work in some exercise during the next month so you have some room for extra calories. You will lift your mood and feel better too.
mg: .......sounds like too much work and deprivation.
