Holiday Food Rules to Live By

Near the end of the year, many people find their thoughts turning to warmer temperatures and the holiday festivities. One of the most fun activities this time of year is eating – appetisers, party food, sweets, and large holiday feasts. It may be the season to be jolly, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the season to gain weight. Keep a handle on the scale this holiday season by following a few simple rules.

1. Eat Before the Party

Never go to a holiday party on an empty stomach. Christmas parties tend to be full of rich, irresistible, high-calorie snack foods. Avoid filling up on these by having a light meal before you leave for the party. Half a sandwich, a slice of homemade pizza with lots of veggies, a salad, or even some celery sticks with peanut butter can take the edge off your appetite and make it easier to limit what you consume at the party – no matter how delicious it looks.

2. Limit Alcohol

There’s a very good chance that any given holiday party will include plenty of alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can be tasty and tempting and add a dose of “festive” to any occasion. However, they’re also extremely high in calories. You can save yourself hundreds of calories in just one night by passing on the cocktails. Alternatively, if you’d like to indulge, make every second drink water – you’ll stay hydrated, moderate your caloric intake, and still enjoy an adult treat.

3. Look for Opportunities to Be Active

Try to make room for some physical activity every chance you get. If a Thanksgiving or Christmas function will interfere with your regular diet or exercise routine, try to mitigate the damage by planning an after-lunch walk, a friendly game of cricket in the backyard, or some other activity that will get everyone moving and burning off some of those extra calories.

When you watch your portion sizes, limit empty calories such as alcohol, and stick with your workouts, there’s no reason you can’t indulge in a few holiday treats without sacrificing your progress.