How to Please Your Palate (and Your Waistline!) this Holiday Season

 

It’s hard to stick to a sensible diet – especially once the celebrations begin. Here are some simple ways to help make sure you don’t overdo it when it’s time to party

 

By Tracy Simmons

 

 

Turkey with stuffing. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Cookies, pies and cakes as far as the eye can see. Yes, there sure is a bounty of tantalizing treats that cross your plate every holiday season. And while your taste buds certainly appreciate the attention, your waistline isn’t nearly as grateful.

 

It’s no secret that there’s a fine line between enjoying and overindulging. That probably explains why most people have an “all or nothing” attitude when it comes time to digging in to holiday cuisine.

 

If you’re nodding your head right about now, Viva’s got great news. We’ve developed some holiday hints so you’ll be sure to feel a whole lot more Santa than Scrooge come the New Year.

 

PLAN AHEAD
No. We’re not talking about what route you’ll be taking to the celebration. Rather, prepping your body and mind for the good times to come. For instance, if you know you’ll be attending parties later in the evening, make sure you eat a proper breakfast and spread out small meals during the course of the day so you don’t overeat once the festivities begin. You should also try and stay active; park further away from the mall or restaurant; take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. All of these small steps add up in a big way to burn off those excess calories.

 

PORTION CONTROL
As if it wasn’t hard enough to control how much you eat during this time of year, buffets can make it even more difficult. One trick to avoiding the “buffet blues” is by taking a smaller plate and choosing small bits of the items that you really crave. Hors’doeuvres can also present a challenge. It’s easy to pop one after the other into your mouth without realizing how many you’ve actually eaten. And once you’ve made your selections, make sure you don’t stand near the buffet. It’s a lot easier to give in to temptation when you’re within arm’s reach. It all comes down to common sense, though. And if you make sure to stay aware of what you’re eating, you’ll be much more likely not to overdo it.

 

GO TO PLAN “B”
Making sure you don’t pile your plate to the ceiling is just one way to cut down on the calorie count. You can also set your sights on healthier options, which are usually available. It’s as easy as cutting down on the amount of salad dressing you use, or pouring a modest amount on the side. Instead of snapping up chips and crackers, look for wholesome yet delicious flatbreads and pita. Rather than choosing an alcoholic drink, replace fattening liquors with soda water or low-fat eggnog.

 

You don’t have to forego all of your favourites, but if you replace a few of those more fattening foods with healthier selections, you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.

 

Here are some more simple ways to enjoy the holidays without going overboard:

 

• Suggest or offer healthy foods at parties like veggie trays and natural dips.

 

•  Don’t use multiple plates – keep the same one so that you’re constantly aware of how many times you’re filing up.

 

• When receiving cookies and chocolates as gifts, either re-gift or take them to work or a social event so you don’t feel compelled to eat them yourself.

 

• If you feel self-conscious without something in your hand, hold on to a glass of water or soda to avoid the temptation of grabbing another plate.