A new study shows that Americans gain only about one pound over the holidays. Fewer than 10% gain 5 pounds or more. Here are 15 ways to be thankful ... after Thanksgiving.
1 - Don’t skip meals. You’d think skipping breakfast would balance a big dinner, but it doesn’t work that way. Starving yourself before a party only ensures that you’ll go overboard later.
2 – Indulge a little. Once the holidays are over, the goodies are gone. Instead of depriving yourself of everything, pick out a few foods you truly want. Do it ahead of time, when temptation isn’t under your nose. In other words, I’ll have the stuffing, but skip the potatoes. Try going for halves. Instead of taking as much as you normally would, take ½ as much. You’ll still get some, but you do less diet damage.
3 - Small plates. A big plate looks empty with a small serving on it – to both you and your hostess “Are you sure you don’t want more?” Grab a small plate and stop when it’s full. This works year round.
4 - Pick protein. Select lean protein and cut down on starches and sweets.
5 - Grab a garden. Fill up on fresh, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, but skip the high-fat dips.
6 - Less Booze. Alcohol contains hundreds of empty calories. If you’re tipsy, you may indulge in the things you would have avoided sober. Choose lo-cal options (wine and light beer) and have fewer.
7 – Don’t take a holiday from the gym. Continue to be active. More food and less exercise is not a good combination. Better yet, increase your routine. Add an extra day or stay longer. Weight = calories taken in plus or minus calories burned up. If that doesn’t work, park on the far side of the parking lot and walk to the stores on Black Friday. That’s the only place you’ll be able to find a spot anyway.
8 - Sleep. When you’re tired, you’re tempted to eat more to recharge … and it tends to be junk food.
9 - Relax. Stress is a trigger to eat more. You don’t have to do everything. It’s not a competition.
10 – Bring what you need. Bring a veggie plate to parties. Fill it with your favorites. This way you something that’s on your diet.
11 – Avoid temptation – literally. Stand as far away from the buffet table as you can get. Why make things harder on yourself? Out of sight. Out of mind.
12 – Wait. If you want more, wait a half hour at least. It takes that long for the food to reach the point in your digestive track where you feel full. Time is on your side. The longer you put of additional nibbling, the less you’ll do.
13 - Wear slightly tight pants. Pick something you look great in. Remember that whenever you’re tempted.
14 - Plan events that aren’t food focused. Have you noticed that so many holiday traditions center on eating? Go somewhere. Play games. Do something that’s fun, but not fattening.
15 – Avoid emotional eating. Happy. Sad. Lonely. These can all be reasons to eat. Beware of why you’re reaching for junk you don’t need. Food will not solve any problem but hunger.
