Everyone knows that the last few months of the year, mostly thanks to Thanksgiving and Christmas, is when people tend to gain weight. You go to a few holiday parties, coworkers or friends have candy sitting out on their desks, you’re out late and come home starving with nothing planned so you wind up eating everything in sight.  Does this sound familiar?  Free yourself from the guilt! These few simple ideas will help you beat the holiday bulge and set yourself up for success!  You’ll even fit into that dress you want to wear New Years Eve!

Intelligent Eating During the Holidays: The “Do”s and “Don’t”s

DO: Eat regularly during the day of a party.

DON’T: “Save up” all your calories for the lavish appetizers and desserts, it will only make you over eat unhealthily. In fact, eat an apple before you go so that you won’t be tempted to eat everything in sight!

DON’T: stand by the buffet table. Pick a few things to put on your plate and walk away! Don’t go back for seconds.

DO: CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. Studies have shown that by chewing your bites 40-50 times, people actually consume 12% fewer calories during a meal.

DO: Drink at least 10-15oz of water before each meal.  Water will fill your stomach so there is less room for food, therefore you will get fuller quicker and consume fewer calories.

DO Practice Portion Control!

Follow the thirds rule. Fill your plate 2/3 with vegetables and 1/3 with lean protein and whole grains.

Always eat off of a small size plate. Looks are deceiving, so when you pile on the food on a large dinner plate, you consume way more calories than you intend to. If you put a normal amount of food on a large plate, it looks like a small portion. But when you fill up a small plate, it looks satisfying.

DO Indulge Wisely

Forget the “all or nothing” attitude. Check out what is available, then hone in on 2 or 3 things that you really desire. Take a small portion of each, then offer to share with others. That way you get a taste and you don’t over indulge. One taste is just as good as the whole cake.

DO Drink Wisely

Alcohol is inevitable during the holidays, so consume mindfully.

Wine and light beer have around 90 calories. An ounce of most alcohol has about 100 calories.

Weight gain comes from the mixers, even fresh juice can add an extra 100 calories to one drink. Choose club soda and fresh fruit to add to your cocktail. Also the most important thing…drink a glass of water between each drink: it hydrates you, while alcohol dehydrates you. Water will also make you feel more full so you will sip on the next cocktail and not guzzle.

I wish you all very happy and HEALTHY holiday’s! Keep these few rules in mind to conquer this time, and make everyone’s New Years Resolution to look as great as you!