Holiday Tip #4: Half-off Special

Pumpkin pie

For a simple but effective way to manage holiday meals, use the half-off special.

That simply means eat half as much as you normally would or half of what you actually want.

For example, scoop up a bunch of mashed potatoes, then put half of it back.

Picture the amount of dressing or green bean casserole you’d really like, then only take half that much.

Cut a piece of pie in half, then savor and appreciate the flavors. Remind yourself that you’ve gotten what you need from the food, so you don’t need to reach for another piece.

Holiday Tip #3: Focus on fuel

Roasted turkey

At holiday meals and gatherings, fill your plate with nutrient dense foods.

Always start with protein foods such as turkey, ham or vegetarian choices such as beans or lentils.

Then add healthy servings of fruits, vegetables and salads. Minimize the amounts of lower quality fuel foods such as stuffing, gravy, and snacks.

Use the “One Tablespoon Plan”

At a holiday meal such as Thanksgiving, pick out several of your absolute favorite foods and eat a one tablespoon serving of each one.

For instance, you might have a tablespoon each of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.

This lets you enjoy the tastes you love while keeping the calories at reasonable levels.

Holiday Tip #2: Don’t skip meals

thanksgiving meal

It’s so tempting to try and eat less during the day in order to save up some calories for an evening meal or event.

But in reality, this usually backfires.

When you don’t get enough fuel during the day, you’re at risk of getting way too hungry and overeating at the evening meal.

So even on days when you have a big, special event, don’t cut way back on calories or skip any of your regular meals.

By keeping your body in a healthy balance during the day, you’ll have a better chance of staying with your goals in the evening.

 

Holiday Tip #1: Walk before you eat

Autumn decor

Even if it means bundling up in warm winter clothes, take a 20 or 30 min. walk before every holiday meal or event.

If it’s feasible, walk again after the meal. You’ll feel a lot better than if you take a nap because you ate too much.

You can also build this habit into your ongoing daily life by planning to always take a walk before your evening meal.

Who stole my self-esteem?

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Just one more day!

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He’s doing fine, but is facing the sad reality that he probably won’t be able to play tennis (his favorite sport) for up to a year. [Read more…]

7 Keys to Motivation – Part 2

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Is it related to people, energy, money? When you’ve struggled with this in the past, what caused you to slip up or kept you from making progress? [Read more…]

7 Keys to Motivation – Part 1

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