The holiday period is notorious for making dieters fall off the wagon. All that hard work you’ve been going through for months can be gone in a matter of days and you have to start all over again. The number of rich and delicious foods on offer can seem overwhelming if you’ve worked so hard to lose weight. Giving in to temptation can be a constant struggle. But it does not have to be like that.
You can have fun, you can have fun with the rest of your family and friends, and you can pamper yourself without packing on those extra pounds! Consider the following tips during the holiday season:
get ready
You are fully aware that at every party or gathering you attend, there will be an overabundance of wonderful foods and tempting treats. You already know that, so be ready for it! Have a small bite to eat before you go to satisfy your appetite and help you resist that extra slice of chocolate cake! Try eating a handful of nuts or some fruit, or even a large glass of water: your appetite will decrease and temptation will be reduced.
do not stop
Do you want something from the food table? Do it, go ahead. The only stipulation is that they try to make the portions small. Use a smaller plate and fill it only once. Eat slowly and make portions last longer. Try not to stand next to the food table, don’t put temptation in your direct path!
If you really have to eat a slice of that delicious cheesecake, do it! Just make sure the slice is small and try not to back off for a few seconds. Take a piece that lasts for maybe three or four bites and savor it. That way you can enjoy the food without overindulging.
Watch your liquor consumption
Be careful with the bar cabinet! Over the course of the holiday season, it can be very tempting to consume alcohol in large quantities, and many dieters are unaware of the caloric count of many alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is an easy way to completely undermine your diet, since the more you consume, the more relaxed you feel, and that can make “one more drink” all the more tempting.
When you sit down and consider the sheer number of calories you’re taking in through the alcoholic beverages you consume during the holiday season, you may find that you’ve completely undermined all your efforts to avoid overindulgence. Save yourself from both a hangover and guilty feelings in the morning!
As you can see, it’s pretty easy not to completely throw out the diet during the holiday season. All you have to do is be careful. You CAN have fun, you CAN eat whatever you want (as long as it’s small portions), and there’s really no need to make yourself miserable and unhappy when it comes to partying! Just don’t overdo it, and remember that alcohol will NOT help you avoid the calories found on the desert table!