If you’re like most of us, you’ll spend the rest of the month eating one big meal after another.
Office potlucks, family feasts and maybe even a party or two. Everyone likes to indulge, and the holidays gives people the perfect excuse.
You can avoid eating too much whether you have a weight loss goal or are simply trying to keep your waist from expanding. It’s all about being mindful and honest with yourself. Here are nine ideas:
- Don’t go hungry. Have a snack before you go to the soiree.
- Watch the drinks. Alcoholic drinks and even beverages like eggnog are full of calories.
- Drink water. Get a glass of water and keep it with you. The more you drink water, the less you are going to eat.
- Choose quality over quantity. We all know that everything on the buffet line isn’t great. Plan to eat something you’ll really relish, like a piece of pumpkin pie or a Christmas cookie – just try to eat half the serving instead of the full piece. Enjoy what you eat with half the calories!
- Suggest a potluck. If you are invited to a potluck get-together, bring something healthy that you want to eat.
- Use a small plate. Fill up a little plate with all your favorites. This trick allows you to eat the foods you like in moderation.
- Eat slowly. Savor and taste your food. Enjoy every bite. It takes 15 to 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full.
- Get physical. Move after dinner. Even low-impact – like playing with the kids or pets – counts.
- Be easy on yourself. If you fall off the wagon, don’t worry. Tomorrow is another day.