| The time from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day | | | | Eat several small meals a day. This old tip holds |
| has to be the hardest few weeks to stick to a | | | | especially true during the holiday season. We tend |
| healthy eating lifestyle or any diet for that matter. | | | | to skip meals and indulge in one large holiday |
| We are constantly tempted by sweats, treats | | | | dinner with the entire family. Don't starve yourself |
| and just way to much food in general. I would like | | | | all day. Get some snacks in and most importantly |
| to share a few tips with you that have helped | | | | start your day with a good, healthy breakfast. |
| me in the past to stay on track between now | | | | You will be able to enjoy your holiday more by |
| and the end of the year. | | | | stabilizing your blood sugar. You don't want to |
| 1) Make sure you eat before you go to any | | | | spend the day being grumpy from not eating for |
| holiday gathering. You know you will be tempted | | | | hours, or be the first ready for a nap after |
| by all sorts of unhealthy but yummy foods. Make | | | | overeating. |
| sure you don't go overboard by eating something | | | | 5) Use the busy shopping season and burn some |
| that is good for you before you go. Try to make | | | | extra calories. If you are heading to the mall, park |
| sure you are not hungry when you arrive, or you | | | | a little further away, or take your time and do a |
| will be much more tempted to overeat as well. | | | | round of window shopping all through the mall |
| 2) Drink some water before you go and alternate | | | | before you buy. Every few extra steps that you |
| higher calorie drinks like alcoholic beverages, | | | | take count. Just don't reward yourself afterwards |
| eggnog or hot chocolate with water while you are | | | | with food. For extra motivation to get more |
| at the holiday party. Drinks can have a lot of | | | | walking in, consider wearing a pedometer. See for |
| hidden calories in them, so watch out. Diet sodas | | | | more information on walking and using a |
| are another good option. | | | | pedometer. |
| 3) Fill you plate with some "good " foods first. Pick | | | | 6) Take some time to relax. The holidays can be |
| some raw vegetables, but go easy on the dip. | | | | a very stressful season if we let them. Many of |
| Turkey breast, and lean ham or pork roast are | | | | us (including myself) tend to overeat or medicate |
| other good choices. Don't forget a nice plate of | | | | ourselves with food when we are stressed. Work |
| salad with a low fat dressing and some fresh fruit | | | | in some extra time just for you. Sit in front of |
| for dessert. | | | | the fire with a good book or your favorite |
| 4) Don't cut your favorite holiday treats | | | | magazine, go get your nails done, take a bath or |
| completely out. If you don't allow yourself the | | | | go for a walk. Do whatever works for you to |
| occasional small indulgence, you will be much more | | | | calm you down and help you distress. |
| likely to break down and binge on all those | | | | Above all, enjoy the holidays and remember they |
| cookies and treats. The key is to enjoy small | | | | are not only about food, but more importantly |
| portions or bites of your favorite foods. If you | | | | about family spending quality time together. Treat |
| have a soft side for chocolate chip cookies then | | | | yourself to some new holiday candles, listen to |
| go ahead and indulge, but limit yourself to one a | | | | your favorite Christmas tunes, or go for a drive |
| day or every few days. Of course the same | | | | through a lit up neighborhood this year. Have fun |
| applies if you prefer cheesecake or gingerbread | | | | during this special time of the year and enjoy that |
| men. | | | | occasional cookie. |