Overeating during the holiday season can add an extra pound or two to your waistline that you probably won’t work off at the gym when New Year’s Resolution time comes rolling around. The holidays are all about fun and spending time with your family and loved ones, it shouldn’t be about counting calories and restriction. There are ways to enjoy the holidays by making healthy responsible choices and if that means passing on an assortment of fancy cheeses served on a wood cutting board, so be it, at least you won’t regret it in the beginning of 2012.
1-Don’t try to lose weight
It’s hard enough to try and shed some extra pounds during the rest of the year; it’s even harder to do so during the holiday season. Instead of going on impossible diets 2 weeks before Christmas, focus on maintaining your regular weight, it’s a much more attainable goal.
2-Don’t forget to exercise
Exercise is not only good for your weight; it also helps to maintain your stress levels down which are an important asset to surviving the hustle and bustle of the holidays. If you don’t own a gym membership, don’t worry about it, exercise can be as simple as taking a brisk 10 to 15 min walk every day. Walking will keep your weight down and your energy level up.
3-Don’t forget to eat
This means, don’t skip meals. If you skip a meal before heading to a holiday party, you’ll be even more tempted to over indulge when a box of chocolates is being served in your direction. Prepare a light snack by cutting up some vegetables on your cutting board and serving them with a light dip. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the goodies being served to you without going overboard.
4-Don’t stuff yourself
Enjoying food is all about taking your time. Take smaller portions of your favourite type of holiday cake and enjoy it. Sit down, chat with your family and friends and savour each small bite. You’ll feel satisfied in no time and you won’t be tempted to serve yourself another slice.
5-Don’t feel guilty about overrating during one meal
We all have weakness even if we try our hardest to maintain our goals. If you overeat during Christmas Eve’s buffet, go light during Christmas dinner. The average human adult needs about 500 calories per day (or 3500 calories per week), so you won’t gain weight from one piece of fruitcake.
In the end, no matter what time of the year it is, eating healthy shouldn’t be a chore. You should always take the time to enjoy your food and make smart choices while still enjoying a cookie or two every now and again. Eat smart during the holidays and you won’t feel an overwhelming sense of guilt when you step on your bathroom scale on January 2012.
From all of us at Cutting Board USA, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season with your family and friends!
http://www.cpmc.org/about/e-health/11-05%20healthy-holidays.html
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