The holiday season is in full swing and we find ourselves constantly being tempted by decadent food. But there are several ways to minimize our consumption of sugary snacks. Below is a helpful guide for how to make good food choices during the holidays.
Eat before the party. Having a healthy meal before an event is the best way to put a damper on your hunger. When you feel satisfied, you will be less likely to dive in at the first sight of the snack table.
Only eat when you’re hungry. Ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?” If not, walk away from the treats. When it’s time for the next meal you will enjoy it more if you are actually hungry.
Out of sight, out of mind. If you have plenty of goodies around your home, place them somewhere that is not always accessible. For example, keep them near the front entrance, as opposed to the living room.
Eat something healthy first. Before reaching for a sugary snack, eat something nutritious, such as a fruit or some veggie sticks. Wait at least 15 minutes and you may find that the sweet craving will pass.
Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat holds you accountable for your calorie intake. It allows you to be more conscious of what you’ve consumed so that you will clearly see when you’ve already had too much for the day.
Keep the portions smaller. When serving yourself, use a dessert plate instead of a full-size plate. That will limit the amount of food that you can take at one time.
Drink water between meals. We sometimes feel that we are hungry when we actually just need a drink to hydrate the body. At the first sign of hunger or a craving, drink a glass of water, or another unsweetened beverage. This will help fill you up and leave less space for cookies and cake.
Don’t go back for seconds. Fill your plate with everything you intend to eat and don’t go back to the buffet table. Simply eat slowly and savour the food on your plate. Enjoy quality and not quantity.
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