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Unfortunately, the Christmas holidays for most of us means weight gain. Parties and family get- togethers with excessive drinking and eating can add up to ten extra pounds that need to be lost in January. Although we all vow that this year will be different, it very rarely is and we are left feeling bloated and depressed in the new year because we once again have to struggle to lose the pounds we gained by over-indulging. It’s not easy, but if you pay close attention to what you put in your mouth over the holidays you can start the New Year at a healthy weight. Many of the parties we attend not only serve large meals, but also appetizers. Snacking on appetizers before the meal can result in a huge caloric intake. Often appetizers are laden with saturated fat and in the case of potato chips and other similar snacks, very unhealthy. One of the best tips for not over-indulging in appetizers is to make sure that you don’t go to a party feeling hungry. Have a healthy snack before you go to the party to ensure you are not tempted by the delicious appetizers or the chips and dip. If the hostess has put out a vegetable tray, try to position yourself in front of it instead of the unhealthy snacks. The best way to avoid temptation is to be a safe distance from the foods that you know are irresistible to you. Alcohol contains many calories. In most cases, these are calories that we don’t count when reviewing the caloric intake of a meal in our minds. To keep your weight gain to a minimum over the holidays you must limit your alcohol intake. Not only is alcohol high in calories, but the more we drink the more relaxed we become. This relaxed feeling leads us to believe we can eat whatever we want. Limit yourself to one drink and then ask the host for a glass of water or soda water. Holding a drink will keep your hands busy and keep them away from the food and it will also deter people from asking you why you are not having an alcoholic drink. Another way to avoid too much alcohol is to make yourself the designated driver. That gives you a great excuse not to have any alcohol at all. Volunteer to bring an appetizer or dish for the meal. This gives you the opportunity to make a healthy low calorie recipe that you know you can eat and you will be contributing something to help the busy hostess. Instead of going to the grocery store for a box of chocolates to give as a hostess gift, you can buy the ingredients for your recipe. Try to stick to your exercise routine over the holidays. A family hike or trip to the skating rink will burn calories if you can’t get to the gym. Getting at least an hour a day of exercise will help to keep your weight gain to a minimum and keep you fit over the holidays. Watching what you eat and exercising will help you start the New Year happy and healthy.
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