I’m often asked to provide tips on keeping weight under control during the holidays. Unfortunately, this is so classic to what our society believes, and will keep us focused on our waistline and counting calories instead of spending quality time with loved ones. Food may be in abundance as usual during this holiday season, and listed below are my three preferred (and perhaps kindler and gentler) tips for the holidays:
1. Avoid the Deprivation-Binge Cycle
Start your morning with breakfast and fuel your body throughout the day. Many people think they should “save their calories/hunger” for the feast they are planning to encounter later, when actually they are making themselves more vulnerable to overeating. Start your day with breakfast and honor your body’s internal cues of hunger and satiety.
2. Dress for Success
Wear comfortable clothes that you like, that express your personal style and that feel good to your body.
3. Eat Mindfully
Remember the motto: “All foods can fit into a healthy diet in variety, moderation and balance!” Fill your plate with a variety of foods from the main food groups (carbohydrate/grains, protein, fat and plant based food). When eating, try to engage all of your senses. Try to eat mindfully and intuitively by honoring your body’s internal signals of hunger and fullness. Oftentimes at holiday events, people find themselves eating quickly because the meal may include foods they really enjoy and/or may not have eaten in a long time. Practice pacing yourself and staying in the moment. You may find when you eat mindfully, you may not feel the need to finish everything on your plate. Then again, if you do, remember that it is just one day/meal and not necessarily a pattern (fluid retention/ weight changes can come from increased salt intake, but this is typical from day to day).
The Takeaway
Remember, the holidays are more than about food, but the special foods are also a lovely and important part of celebrations. Shame and guilt about eating at any time do not promote health or wellbeing. Enjoy the things that make this time of year special, especially now with our extra necessary safety precautions. This a great time to reflect, spend time with loved ones in however way we can, and to feel grateful for blessings received.
Janice Baker is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician and Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management at Arch Health Medical Group. Janice can be reached at (858) 675-3179 or Janice.Baker@Archhealth.org.
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