Holiday Eating

This time of year, it is so easy to indulge on sweets, treats, and meals heavy in calories. Between Thanksgiving, family get-togethers, and holiday parties with friends and co-workers, we usually have many opportunities to forego our good habits for gobbling up goodies. Also, it becomes more common for unhealthy treats to be within arm’s reach at work, at home, and even in the grocery store, as everyone brings out their favorite high-calorie recipes reserved for this time of year. With all of this temptation, how can one resist?

The best way to stave off temptation is by maintaining fluids. Drinking plenty of water every day helps our bodies feel fuller, which makes us want to eat less. Although water is best water, coffee, and tea can help us fill up as well. Another way to fill up on the good, before getting to the bad, is to start off with a large salad. Even if your hosts don’t have salad on the menu, you can easily construct your own for consumption before attending the event. This will make you want to skip all of the pre-meal snacks, and save room for the main course.

Brushing your teeth or using strong mouthwash not only keeps our dental hygiene fresh, but can help us avoid eating sweets and other treats. An occasional peppermint or candy cane can also do the trick, but keep in mind the sugar content of these items. Chewing gum can also be used, but the constant chewing motion can actually trick the body into digestion mode, as the chewing motion simulates mastication of food. This incessant chewing can make you feel hungrier, which could lead to overeating.

The best method to avoid holiday overeating is to limit yourself. Make it a goal to only have one treat per day. Use your self-control to combat the want to gorge yourself on empty, sugar-filled calories. When baking at home, make sure you have someone to share your goodies with, or cut the recipe down to a smaller batch.

Above all, enjoy yourself for the holidays!