Image Courtesy of Gavin Bond
Between the Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas pastries, it can be difficult to turn away temptation. However, you should not feel guilty for embracing all of the joys that the holiday season has to offer. Nonetheless, there can always be too much of a good thing. To end the year as your most healthy self while still enjoying your festivities, here are a few ways to avoid over-indulging on holiday munchies.
-Amber Lyons
DO NOT GO TO THE TABLE WITH AN EMPTY STOMACH
Like any day, don’t skip breakfast. You should not go into the day of your big Thanksgiving dinner thinking, “Since I’ll be consuming this massive dinner later, I should just skip breakfast.” Although it seems like the perfect way to dodge the calorie intake, skipping meals will only cause you to overeat during the dinner. Try a healthy breakfast with whole grain, fruits, eggs, or egg whites to balance out the not-so-healthy dinner.
SAVOR YOUR MEALS
The whole point of these fine cuisines and delicacies is to enjoy and savor. It also takes 20 minutes to realize you are full. So, not only will eating slowly allow you to fully enjoy the meal but you can better control your portions.
KNOW WHEN YOU ARE FULL
Chances are, your favorite dish may not be the healthiest in the world, but that doesn’t mean it should take a backseat in order to maintain your physique. However, you must eat until you are full and not until you are past-full. It’s even okay to consume half of your favorites and then save the other half as leftovers.
BALANCE IT OUT WITH NUTRIENTS
Just because it’s a holiday dinner does not mean your body should skip the nutrients that help better your well being. Healthy holiday staples such as turkey breast, squash, carrots, corn, greens, sweet potatoes, eggs, fruits, and nuts should be consumed before and more so than those savory favorites.
FILL UP ON WATER
Just like any day of the year, the best way to consume less food is by filling your body with water. Consume one glass of water 30 minutes before the meal, then drink a glass an hour later to ensure healthy digestion.
BE A SMART CHEF
If you’re the one preparing the meals, you have a huge advantage. You know exactly what’s going in, so use your power for good by limiting sugar, salt, and fats when preparing those beloved holiday dishes.
