We can’t help binging during the holidays. From Thanksgiving to New Year, we’ll be eating, drinking and making merry—to heck with cholesterol counts and salads! But how can we enjoy the good food without tipping over the scales? Here are some tips on how to enjoy the holidays and not gain weight.
Use a smaller plate
You’ve heard this all before: eat what you want, just take smaller portions. But it’s hard to remember that when we’re standing in front of the buffet table. So the trick is to use a smaller plate (like the ones reserved for salads). You can’t physically pile on a lot of food—and if you wanted another serving, you’d have to line up. And you can, you know—no one’s going to stop you if you want another bite of that delicious turkey—but the effort of going back to the table may make you think twice if it’s really worth the effort.
Don’t drink your calories
If you’re going to eat a lot, then minimize empty calories from drinks. Take water instead of juice or iced tea, and keep track of the martinis. Besides, water will help flush out your system.
Take a supplement
Garlic supplements and fish oil can help lower your cholesterol levels, so your body doesn’t feel the full brunt of all the steaks and gravy. Garlic contains allicin, which can temporarily lower your cholesterol levels. (Other great benefits: it’s packed with antioxidants and can boost the immune system. Bye, bye colds!) As for fish oil, one study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that regular fish oil intake can block the formation of fat cells. It also lowers cholesterol, and is recommended by both the Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association. (Read more on detox diets that can help with cholesterol.)
Work the room
You’re at the party to meet with friends and possibly build your network, right? So keep going around the room, striking conversations, because you can’t talk and eat at the same time.
Sneak in fun ways to burn calories
The holidays are a great time to eat, but they also offer plenty of opportunities for calorie-burning activities. Go dancing with friends, sign up for a ski trip, or join one of those charity walkathons where proceeds go to a cause you believe in.
Photo from viktorix.com
This is a really short post, I think you could have added more content here since the holiday season just started.
I’d personally include “going to the gym” because exercise is the best treatment for keeping junk out of the trunk, lol.
The tips here are practical enough nonetheless.