Diet Tips for the Holidays
For many people, Christmas is THE perfect excuse to take a break from a diet and go binge eating. It’s also the perfect catalyst for catastrophic weight gain and a ruined diet. Let’s admit it—it’s much easier to drift off course than it is to get back on track.
If you don’t want to lose the shape that you worked so hard all year long, don’t let the holidays sway you into ruining your fitness goals and take note of these holiday diet tips:
Eat plenty for breakfast.
There’s a reason why they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for people who are trying to get fit. Eating well in the morning is said to boost your metabolism so that you can burn calories better throughout the day. It also makes you feel more energized and reduces the urge to overeat. So eat a big healthy meal for breakfast before you head to any social gathering!
Limit your food portions and eat slowly.
Hold up! Before you head to the buffet table, set your mind first on the amount of food you’re going to take. The abundance of holiday food doesn’t mean you have to eat them all. Aim for vegetables and fruits and less oily dishes, and take only a small portion of the high-fat ones. Take your time with each mouthful, chewing for a few seconds before swallowing, so that you can have better digestion.
Drink lots of water.
Before the salad or the steamed fish, water is your best friend when on diet. Water aids in digestion and flushing waste out of your body. If you drink enough water before and after your meal, it also helps you feel full more quickly.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Besides food, there will most likely be an ocean of booze at the holiday party you’re attending. If you don’t want to feel and look bloated, have the courage to say no when you’ve had enough and don’t be shy to ask for lighter options. For instance, instead of drinking mixed cocktails, go for on-the-rocks or a glass of wine. And don’t forget to keep drinking water!
Organize your own party.
Organizing your own party gives you greater freedom on what kind of food will be served on the party table. This is your chance to curate dishes that are diet-friendly and won’t make you feel guilty! Prepare lots of vegetables and fruits, fish, and white meat, and bake or grill your food rather than frying in oil. This way, you can indulge a little in guilt-free holiday dishes and even influence your guests to better appreciate healthy food!
Don’t skip exercise.
No matter how busy you are with all the festivities going on, make the effort to fit some exercise into your schedule. Go out for a walk even just for 30 minutes or skip the elevator/escalator at the shopping mall and take the stairs!
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
References: WebMD, Diet.co.uk, Medical Daily
