How To Avoid Overeating During The Holidays

 It's that time of the year again.  We have Thanksgiving coming up in a few days, lots of holiday parties, Christmas, and New Years. There are gatherings, parties, giving, and so much more.  There is always someone you know who spends days baking all sorts of goodies to share with everyone and parties with things you can't resist.  Before you know it, you've gained a few pounds.

So how do you navigate this food filled season without gaining weight?  Without stuffing yourself because you just can't resist one more.  That is what we'll look at today.

On Thanksgiving, do not skip meals rather eat your regularly scheduled meals.  Consider having a good breakfast with lots of protein since protein helps curb your appetite all day long. Most people skip meals with the idea that you'll have space for more food but if you skip meals, you'll be really hungry and that is when you overeat. Sometimes you are so hungry, you inhale the food and then feel sick when you are done eating. In addition, work on staying hydrated but don't rely on alcoholic drinks for that. One reason you want to stay hydrated is that you think you are hungry so you eat more.  In reality you are actually dehydrated and just need some water.

When you snack before the meal, look at foods like unsalted nuts, veggies, and fruits before you indulge in deli meats or cheese. The unsalted nuts, veggies, and fruits are a much healthier choice.  The deli meats tend to be over processed, high in sodium, and saturated fats which aren't good for us.  So if you see a charcuterie board, don't just grab things.  Look at it and decide what you should eat.  Place your choices on a plate and walk away so you don't continually graze.

Depending on your family, you'll either sit around the table and pass foods around, or you'll go through a buffet filled with the main dishes for the meal.  Keep in mind the old saying "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach."  Instead of grabbing spoonfuls of each dish, settle on a little of everything including the meats. Spend time chewing your food, enjoying the flavors, and taking your time eating it. If you decide you want seconds immediately after, don't.  Wait at least 10 minutes before returning to get more.  The 10 minutes gives your brain a chance to catch up and decide if you are full or have space for more. 

Enjoy conversations with your family and friends away from the food so you don't fall into the snacking trap.  When you stand next to the food, you tend to grab some to eat without thinking.  If you aren't near the food, you are less likely to snack.  One of the last things recommended is to get out and move.  Grab people to throw a foot ball around, walk through the neighborhood, checking for lights and decorations. 

I am not going to share the number of times I've ignored these and ended up over indulging.  It's hard to say no to your mother.  Have a great day and enjoy your self.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.