The holidays are a time to spend with family, friends, and boyfriends and of course… FOOD. It’s hard to resist the eggnog, the spinach dip and oh the fruit cake! But beware; even though these dishes are good for your soul, they are dangerous to your health and your weight. Here are some tips to a healthier you even in the holiday season!
· Don’t Skip Meals! Don’t go to the party not eating anything all day and then feast when you get there. You might be thinking you’re doing yourself a favor because you’re saving calories all day to eat one big meal, but it’s a huge misconception! Eat little snacks like an apple with peanut butter or some nuts so your stomach is settled when you get to the party. This will avoid overindulgence and overeating. The worst thing you can do is skip a meal!
· But skip the Eggnog. Eggnog is a Christmas past time, and when you’re thirsty at the party why not reach for some eggnog? Well one cup of eggnog has 343 calories, 150 milligrams of cholesterol and 21 grams of sugar, and that’s just one cup! Reach for something sweet but not as fatty, like some spiced cider.
· And the fruitcake! Fruitcake is also a favorite at Christmas parties, but don’t let the name fool you, there is little amount of actual fruit in fruitcake. One slice of this has 410 calories and 13 grams of fat. When you reach of some dessert, enjoy fruit and chocolate fondue or pumpkin pie! They are both sweet and lighter on the calorie and fat content.
· Eat Slowly. Yes everything tastes so good, and you want to inhale that food in 2.5 second but slow down! Take your time eating, so your brain and stomach will synchronize and you will realize when you are full. When you eat too fast, you stomach doesn’t realize when you are full, so it leads to more overeating.
· Be Realistic. If you see something you love, eat it! It’s high in fat, cholesterol and sugar but if it’s been an all-time favorite go ahead. Don’t ignore it thinking you’re saving yourself, because chances are you’re going to end up overindulging on it once you do crack. It’s all about eating in moderation, the foods you love.
This Holiday season, make yourself a promise to eat better and avoid gaining those extra pounds by making the right choices. You’ll be glad you did. Besides don’t you want to look hot in that sparkling new dress you got for the New Year’s Eve party?!