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Tips on staying slim over the holidays
If you're looking to fit into that snug little Gucci number for the holidays, learn how to avoid the fois gras and keep slim admist the parties!
By ELLECanada.com
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Click here for ELLECanada.com's 30 Days of Holiday Giveaways contest!
You know all about how you have to burn the same number of calories as you take in to keep extra weight off. You've done the math and it's not looking so simple. But when it comes to the holidays, rules get tossed aside for that beckoning double chocolate brownie topped with gooey caramel and chopped walnuts.
Feeling guilty? Don't. The thing is, if you're careful about what and how much you eat, indulging in a decadent delight is okay. "Nothing is sinfully delicious," writes Mireille Guiliano in her book, French Women Don't Get Fat (Alfred A. Knopf, 2005). "When you add an indulgence, make a corresponding reduction to compensate. Add another half hour of walking the next day. Skip the cocktail. Pass the breadbasket."
Before you head to the next office party or holiday get-together, keep the following tips in mind:
PRE-PARTY TACTICS:
1. Have a bite before the party
"When we become overly hungry we have less control and willpower to make healthy choices regarding the type of food chosen and the portion size we consume," explains Gina Sunderland, a registered dietitian in Winnipeg.
2. Show up with a nutritious and delicious gift
If you're uncertain as to what will be served (or already know the sweet spread Mom puts out) offer to bring a platter of raw veggies and low-fat dip.
3. Drink -- water that is.
"It's a powerful way of controlling one's weight, virtually without sacrifice," writes Guiliano.
4.Healthy options
If you're doing the cooking, "have things like fresh fruit and fresh vegetables around so if you want to nibble you can eat healthy alternatives," offers Fran Berkoff, a registered dietitian with Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
AT THE PARTY
1. Mingle
A party shouldn't be all about food. Speak with friends, family and colleagues; ask about their holiday plans, what's new in their lives, what their resolutions will be for the coming year. If music is playing and if the setting allows, head to the dance floor. Whatever you do, don't stand by the buffet table or the bowl of chips; you'll be tempted to eat, even if you're not hungry.
2. Scan the buffet table before filling your plate.
"Pick things that are healthier and lighter in calories," says Berkoff. "So, fill up on sushi, for example, and then have a piece of deep fried chicken."
3. Small servings
Pick the lunch-size plate, then divide it into sections, says Sunderland. "Allow yourself one half for veggies and fruit, one-quarter for savory or carbohydrate-rich appetizers and one-quarter for dessert items."
4. Have a treat
"Eat something really delicious that you can only get once a year," says Berkoff. Pass on items available year-round like nachos and salsa, chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
Check out our sumptuous Christmas recipes here!
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