Avoid Overeating for the Holidays

Well, folks, the holidays are approaching and we are all looking forward to the tasty delights that await us during those special holiday dinners. Maybe a delicious, savory honey glazed ham, sliced to perfection paired with golden, Gulliver Cream Style Corn and Sweet Potato Casserole will adorn your holiday table. Or perhaps you prefer a tryptophan loaded, Golden Brown Turkey filled with Roasted Chestnut Stuffing and tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce on the side. Whatever your pleasure may be, most of us ultimately overeat during the holiday season and end up gaining a few extra, unwanted pounds. To avoid having to commit to yet another weight loss program for the New Year, try these simple tips that will help you make better choices in the long run and avoid overeating for the holidays.

1. Whatever you do, don't starve yourself all day before attending your holiday dinner parties. This is a holiday no-no which will definitely cause you to overeat at the holiday mealtime. Make sure to eat a healthy, well balanced breakfast and lunch prior to attending any holiday party.
2. Drink plenty of H2O, (water that is folks). In fact, drink a full glass of water before sitting down to the holiday dinner. Drinking water gives you a feeling of fullness and also ultimately increases your metabolic rate. This will help you burn those extra holiday calories. It is recommended that you follow the 8x8 rule, meaning drink 8, eight ounce glasses of water per day.
3. Eat an apple before you sit down to your holiday meal. Studies have found that those who eat an apple before a meal consumed 187 fewer calories in comparison to those who don't. Eating an apple before your meal will also give you a feeling of fullness, which will help you to avoid overeating.
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Plain and simple, your weight is determined by how many calories you consume minus how many calories you burn. So, if you consume more calories, as is often the case during the holiday season, then simply exercise more to balance out the excessive caloric intake. Adding an additional 15 to 30 minutes to your exercise regime will not only help you avoid excess holiday pounds, but it will cause you to be more conscious about what you are putting into your body during the holiday season. We cannot say enough about exercise!
5. Take along healthy snacks to your holiday affairs. Yogurt, nuts, fruit, protein bars, whatever your favorite healthy snack may be, having a snack before the big, sit down can help you avoid extra or excessive portions.
6. Limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol erodes your committment to portion control and making careful food choices. Alcohol adds calories to an already calorie-overloaded holiday dinner. If you must have a drink, then limit yourself to 1 and you will thank yourself in the long run. Remember, it is unsafe to drink and drive and it is also unsafe to drink and diet!

We all want to enjoy the holidays without the additional stress of worrying about gaining weight. RN Online hopes the above information will keep the holiday pounds off, and the holiday smiles abundant!