This Holiday, Stuff the Turkey and Not Yourself!

There are so many stresses that come with the holiday seasons. You are busy at work, trying to budget gift purchases, running around shopping and cooking for your family. Once turkey day comes around you have enough problems keeping your Uncle John from having one too many, your mother from breaking into tears from something you said and your sister bringing up a fight you had with her ten years ago, the last thing you want is to count calories.

Besides getting your family muzzles, try these Holiday tips to keep one less worry away: weight gain.

1. Add about 20 more minutes to your physical activity to you day three days before and after you holiday feast.

2. Do not start your meal starving. Eat small, healthy snacks throughout the day, some fiber or protein like a piece of cheese or hardboiled egg with an apple.

3. Don’t waste your calories on mindless eating while your yimmer -yammering with your family. Chips add up before you even know what you ate. Was it worth it? Stick to the foods you love.

4. If you are invited to a party, bring a dish you know is healthy. You host will thank you for the lovely gesture.

5. Eat about 200 calories less per day three days before and after the holiday feast. Choose beverages wisely. High sugar eggnog or alcoholic drinks are a no-brainer, but are they worth it? A slice of pie could be better.

6. Go easy on the alcohol. Most people lose their inhibitions with food much more easily after knocking down a few.

7. Keep yourself hydrated with water or a low cal drink, sometimes thirst is misinterpreted as hunger.

8. Let the meal last an entire day. Eat like a European; don’t down the entire meal in 20 minutes. Eat appetizers then stop relax, then eat main course stop-relax, etc. This way you won’t eat twice. Eat your dessert toward the end of the party with coffee or tea.

9. Don’t give yourself a guilt trip if you go a little overboard- your family already gives you enough agida.

10. Quality, not quantity is the goal. You don’t want to deprive yourself of the pecan pie with homemade stuffing so eat less of the chips. Everything in moderation.

Having a little taste of everything can also be a good way to keep yourself in check. Instead of having that second helping of potatoes, cleanse your palette and have little of something else. You will feel more satisfied and you will take in fewer calories.

Have a Happy Holiday!

Fiorella