Ahh... the holidays. Turkey with all the trimmings. Pumpkins pies. Endless cookies, candies and cakes. Calorie-laden beverages. Buffet tables set up with every kind of food under the sun. For someone who enjoys eating, the holidays are an endless smorgasbord of delights. But for a dieter, the holidays offer a special challenge - to partake in and enjoy the parties while not completely throwing the diet to the wind starting around Thanksgiving and ending New Years Day. While there is no magic cure, these special tips are a good starting point to build upon as the holidays approach.
Drink Water
Wonderful water, beverage of the gods. With no calories, water will fill you up and keep you hydrated. Even though it's fun to drink special coffee drinks during chilly days, as well as indulge in cocktails during parties, all of those beverages are full of empty calories. Plan on moderating your intake by sipping at one cocktail, and if treating yourself to a latte, order it with skim milk, no whip and sugar-free syrup.
More Chat, Less Chew
Buffet tables are huge enemies of dieters. While there may be a veggie tray, it usually is complimented with a calorie-laden dip, and more often than not, there are tons of high calorie chips, cheese and dessert plates from which to choose. Worse, it's easy to lose track of what goes into your mouth while picking. A better choice? Fill a plate with healthy goodies and one or two treats, then walk away from the table and socialize.
Eat Smart
Often, holidays come complete with large family dinners full of laughter and memories, as well as gravy, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Usually, these occasions cannot be avoided, nor should they be, nor should other people change because you're on a diet. The best way? Offer to bring a healthy dish, so you're contributing to your family's joy, and be sure to include servings of salad and veggies. As for the rest, eat small servings and minimize use of gravy and butter.
Exercise
Exercise is key for weight loss and health management all year long. But all too often, the holidays are a diet deadly combination of too much food and too little time set aside for exercise. Make workout time a priority, for three very good reasons. One, it'll keep you in the habit. Two, it'll help with any extra goodies you may happen to nibble. Third, exercise has proven to relieve stress and tension - side effects that are far too common during the holidays.
Cheat Smart
Slips happen. Accept it. And truly, the holidays are a great excuse to eat, drink and be merry. So indulge slightly. Have a small piece of cake or a holiday chocolate. In this rule, the key is being smart with small portion sizes. Have a small amount and move on. A small piece of cake will satisfy the craving and not be as damaging as eating the whole thing.
And above all, enjoy yourself! After all, the holidays only come once a year.
Susan Beam - Currently writing for a weekly newspaper, the Columbia Ledger, in Columbia, PA, and for Lancaster County Woman.
Join the Conversation