The holidays are my favorite time of year. Not just for the food — much of which isn’t exactly healthy — but for family. However, this year will be a tad bit different. Some families will not be able to gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table, as is usually planned. There will be ‘Zoom Thanksgivings’ happening all around the country — a first for many. Nevertheless, you want to make sure you aren’t over-doing it on the appetizers or polishing off a few too many helpings of mashed potatoes. So, how do you do that?
These 3 simple tricks will help you stick with a healthy diet and eliminate the all-too-familiar guilt that often comes with this time of year.
- Eat before you eat – The problem with holiday parties is that most of us starve ourselves throughout the day, then tend to overeat at the dinner table because we know there’s going to be a LOT of dishes of which we want to partake of. Make sure to eat a healthy snack, like rice crackers and almond butter or a banana, or a light soup before dinner. This will prevent the inevitable hunger-induced appetizer binge!
- Drink plenty of water – If you are sitting down to a big meal, make sure you chug a glass of water or two. The water will allow your body to distinguish between hunger and thirst, which will help you eat less by the time dinner rolls around. Keep in mind that drinking excessive amounts of water while you eat can cause gas and bloating, so make sure you drink plenty an hour or so before.
- Remember that it’s OK to say no – Just because your grandma only makes her famous pumpkin pie once a year doesn’t mean you have to feel bad declining a second piece! Eat only what you want, and remember that everyone is just grateful to be together – no one will remember who went back for more mashed potatoes and who decided to skip dessert. Besides, you can always carry leftovers home.
Remember that tomorrow is a new day, which can be started with a green juice!
Do you have any tips for preventing overeating during the holidays?