14 DAY TRIAL // The holiday season is about to officially begin and, with it, our constant worrying about gaining weight, since now, more than ever, temptation will lurk around every corner we can possibly think of. With this in mind, Shape magazine approached a few nutritionists and health specialists for a few basic tips to avoid overeating during the holiday season and, this way, party-proof our diet.
It’s not longer a secret that women want to look their best for the entire holiday season, regardless of whether we’re talking about the Thanksgiving dinner, the Christmas office party or the more fancy New Year’s Eve ball or party. Neither is it a secret that, no matter how hard we try or how much we abstain, come January, we’re still a few pounds heavier, which may throw us into that never-ending cycle of diet, guilt and yo-yo-ing weight.
To start off, we’re to make a choice, Shape says. The variants we have before us are none too complicated: we can either choose to look good in every single one of the party dresses we have and plan on wearing this holiday season, or we can make it a point of heading for the food buffet the moment we enter at a party. If we choose the former, the best way to go about it is by setting that as a goal for the holidays, so that we’re always keeping tabs on what we eat and, this way, on our weight.
“Eat beforehand. Just because you know your friend made her famous dish doesn’t mean you should starve yourself in preparation – in fact, you should eat in preparation. March [Susan Burke March, R.D., author of ‘Making Weight Control Second Nature: Living Thin Naturally’] suggests having a snack, such as nonfat yogurt or a piece of fruit, before you go out. You’re less likely to overeat or make unhealthy food choices at a holiday party if you’ve taken the edge off your appetite beforehand.” Shape writes.
Keeping the calorie count in check doesn’t mean, though, we’re to go through the holidays in deprivation. “Have your cake. There’s no need to deprive yourself of your favorite holiday treat. If you look forward to mom’s pecan pie every Thanksgiving, then enjoy a small slice – just don’t go back for seconds! It’s perfectly healthy to indulge in moderation and reward yourself for sticking to a healthy eating plan. Just keep in mind that your favorite dessert will taste that much sweeter if it’s a special treat, rather than a regular occurrence.” the mag further recommends.