How NOT to Fall Off Your Diet During the Holidays

February 2nd, 2010 -- Posted in Other Weight Loss Tips | No Comments »

The holidays are coming quickly and here you are on a diet. Sticking to your diet during the holidays can be really tough.   Don't despair!  You don't need to go off your diet for the holidays and you don't need to gain weight either.  Follow these tips for getting through the holidays while on a diet and you'll be ready for the New Year.

Don't Deprive Yourself

It can be devastating to force yourself to hold back when others are partaking of the food around you. When you're out with people at a get-together, don't try to abstain from eating. Instead, you can eat responsibly.  Before the party determine what you will allow yourself to eat. Make a decision on your plan for the party and then stick to it. Don't take two of something, when one will do. Instead of picking one of everything, choose between different options.

Follow the "Fist Rule"

When eating any meal or snack keep the fist rule in mind.  Only eat a portion that totals about the size of your fist.  This will help to keep you from overeating or indulging in foods that will put you over the edge of your diet. By eating smaller portions, you absorb fewer calories. Make sure that you don't eat too much, by picking a smaller plate and don't overfill it.

Drink Water

Water helps to keep you hydrated but it also helps to give you a full feeling.  Drink a glass of water before you attend a party or holiday function.  This will help to keep you from overeating while at the event. If you choose to have alcohol, make sure you imbibe drinks that don't have sugary syrups or cream. Mix alcohol with soda water or tonic water to reduce the calorie intake.

Eat Slowly

Most people who are overweight are fast eaters.  Your body sends signals when it reaches a certain level of "fullness". The signals warn you that you're full. Stop eating.  If you eat too quickly you don't give your body enough time to react and send the signals. This causes you to eat more than you really need. Slow down your eating to give your body time to feel full.

Don't Stand Near the Food Table

Often times people like to gather and talk right next to the buffet table. Because they are here, people easily overindulge because they simply keep eating.  You can end up eating without even realizing it. Take a small plate of food with you and move away from the table.  This way you won't be tempted to keep reaching for food.  If your friends are near the table politely ask them to join you in another location.

Don't Talk About Food

At parties people tend to focus on talking about food because it's right there. This can bring eating to the front of your mind and trigger your hunger and food desires. Talking about food is dangerous so come to the party with other topics you can talk about.

 


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