8 Tips to Enjoy Holiday Season Foods Without Gaining Too Much Weight  

The holiday season is upon us.  And with that comes an array of delectable food and beverages for us to enjoy. It starts in October with Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks, then bags of candy for Halloween, a feast for Thanksgiving (and days after from leftovers) and endless holiday parties, then more delicious eats for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and so on. By the time you get to New Year’s Day, your body is in dire need of a break.  But you can enjoy all of the wonderful food during the holiday season without overindulging and adding too many pounds to your scale.

Everything in Moderation
Easier said than done, but the motto “everything in moderation” is a good one to remember during the holiday season. If you’re craving a treat, then you should definitely have one, but the key is to just have one. By resisting, it’s likely you’ll binge later once your willpower has been broken. Also, during the Thanksgiving or Holiday Dinner buffet, try not to load-up your plate.  Take enough, so you are able to enjoy every dish, but don’t need to be carried away after.

Hydration is Key
Make sure you’re drinking water at all times. The Fall and Winter weather is dry, so it’s important to hydrate, but drinking water during the day and evenings will keep you feeling full, so you’re less likely to snack.  It’ll also help with holiday cocktails. Try taking a water break between cocktails.

Skip the Toppings
When you’re ordering a Pumpkin Spice Latte or Peppermint Mocha this holiday season, decline the request by the barista to add the whipped cream topping. It’s already delicious as-is and you don’t need the extra topping. Same goes for pumpkin and apple pies. Yes, vanilla ice cream and/or whip cream are a delicious addition to any pie or cake, but do you really need it?  No.

Start Exercising Now
You don’t have to wait until January 1^st to start a new exercise regime.  It will actually be easier for you to maintain your New Year resolutions if you’ve started some of them early. Start slow with adding exercise into your weekly routine two to three times a week.  Even if it’s just walking a mile or two after work or during your lunch hour. Not only will you be more likely to hit the New Year strong, you’ll be able to burn off the extra holiday calories. But, don’t think you can over-indulge because you’re working out. Exercising is supposed to help you counter the added calories, not allow you to eat more.

Off Peak Hours
During the times when you don’t have a holiday event (a.k.a., off peak hours), try to eat healthy. Choose a salad or a light wrap for lunch instead of something with a higher calories count. Also, try to reduce your sugar intake and eat fresh vegetables. Focusing on eating healthy when you’re not surrounded by holiday treats, will help you maintain a healthy diet during the holiday season.

Don’t Keep Treats Around
If the neighborhood kids didn’t eat all of your Halloween candy, don’t keep the bowl around. Take it to work and put it in the break room or walk around the office and leave a piece of candy at everyone’s desk until the bowl is empty. If your co-workers are known for giving baked goods and chocolate treats as holiday gifts, make sure to share them with the team.  Don’t keep it at your desk for yourself or take it home. You’ll eat them.

Watch Alcohol Intake
The holiday season is typically filled with wonderful food and an abundance of delicious cocktails enjoyed with friends, family members and work colleagues. But, be careful on how much alcohol you consume and what type of alcohol you drink. Cocktails high in sugar like margaritas and daiquiris, will add-up fast. Also, the more you drink, the more likely you will be to overindulge on food, so make sure to keep a healthy balance and keep your wits about you.

Get a Buddy
Like an exercise plan, it’s best to recruit a friend or office colleague to help you during the holiday season to maintain a balance of delicious foods and healthy activities. Maybe the person will walk with you during the lunch hour or remind you at an office party that you probably don’t need another slice of cake. A buddy will help you enjoy the holiday season, but also remind you of the above tips.