Let’s face it: The holidays are horrible for dieters.
In fact, even if you’re not on a diet — and you’re just trying to get yourself into January without gaining 10 pounds — you’ve got a tough row to hoe when it comes to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, you name it.
How can one not overeat at these events? No matter what holidays you and your family celebrate, they’re all completely festooned with some of the most fattening, sugar-laden, calorific, and delicious foods imaginable.
On the other hand, escaping the holidays without going up a pants size is possible. And your local emergency health clinic in Harligen, TX has some top tips for helping you do just that:
- Know Thy Emotional Triggers
Everyone’s got triggers that make them shovel in the food. Know yours. You can figure them out by keeping a food diary for just a few days. Write down when you eat, what you eat, and how you feel when you’re eating it.
After a while, look back. Notice if you eat when you’re sad, angry, frustrated, tired, overworked, or super happy. Now … watch out for these emotions, and stay away from the fridge when you’re feeling them!
- Let Go of Holiday Stress With Humor
For many during the holidays, it’s the stress that really makes you overeat. After all, eating is something that can momentarily calm you when you’re afraid everything won’t be as picture-perfect as you want it to be.
Ok, so make a pact with yourself: for the holidays, realize that everything’s not going to be perfect, and who cares? Decide that you’re going to laugh about the accidents, relax about the misfortunes, and chuckle at the disasters. Don’t stress. Have a happy holiday.
- Plan Ahead
Yes, this one’s a bit typical, but it can be a lifesaver: plan ahead. For example, if you know that you’re going to want to chow down on Thanksgiving stuffing, potatoes, and gravy, go for it. But eat a super light breakfast that day, and make sure that plenty of veggies are on your plate at dinner too.
Or if you know that you’ll definitely have junk food in the house over the holidays (whether you like it or not), that’s okay. Spend a few extra bucks to buy those pre-made salads, fancy sweet potato chips, and low-cal frozen desserts you love. Stock your fridge with them. Those will be your treats.
Watching Your Waist Line — and Your Health
Of course, ensuring that you maintain your weight (or even end up trimmer than when you started) shouldn’t be your only goal for the holidays. Avoiding overeating will also help you stay healthy during a time of year when the flu and colds seem to be at every turn.
In fact, according to the Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy, nutrition has a large affect on how well your immune system functions. Eating healthy portions of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins and avoiding sugar- and trans fat-laden foods (and overeating in general) can help enhance your resistance against ailments like the flu and colds.
Of course, if you do end up with a cold or the flu, know that your local emergency health clinic in Harligen, TX is always there to take care of you. While you’re happy and healthy and partying through the holidays, however, use the tips above to curb overeating and make healthier decisions. Your body will thank you.
