I actually added up the number of holiday feasts that my family and I attended last year and … get ready for this … it totaled seven! Seven giant tables loaded salty, fatty and sugary, albeit delicious, holiday food. No wonder most of us put on weight and experience digestive distress though out and following Christmas. My pants feel tight just thinking about all that food!!
Many of my clients ask if there is anything that can be done to avoid weight gain and eat healthily over the holidays. I am a huge believer in the 80/20 rule of 80% whole, live and natural foods and 20% healthy treats. However, unless you have the super human strength to say no to most of the food that it is set out before you, it can be very difficult to balance healthy holiday eating with the occasional indulgence.
So, what is to be done? Ruin your appetite!! Before heading out the door to attend Christmas parties or holiday family functions, spoil your appetite with a light serving of healthy food! This will reduce the amount of food you will be eating at your gathering. If you are already partly full with nutritious food it will ensure you don’t overdose on those you are trying to limit. Additionally, when starving it is very difficult to maintain your commitment to healthy eating. If your stomach is growling and a well-meaning aunt places a cheese ball in front of it you are probably going to dive in. If you have snacked before hand you may just have the willpower to say no thank you and head for the vegetable tray instead.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
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