On average Canadians gain 1-2 lbs over the holidays. This may not seem like much but these tend to become permanent baggage and year after year these add up.
Weight gain is the most common complaint over the holidays and with this knowledge, why not try and prevent it completely?Here are some strategies to keep the weight off over the holidays.
Overall:
- Drink a large glass of water before every large meal.
- Mindful eating: chew slowly and be mindful of your senses- taste, smell, texture.
- Portion sizes!! If you go for seconds you must take a bit of everything (not just the mashed potatoes). Keep it balanced!
Strategies when visiting:
- Eat a healthy snack before going to a party. This will prevent you from overindulging while you are there because you are starving.
- Sit away from munchies while visiting or entertaining. This will prevent mindless eating.
- If you are invited to a friends house, bring a potted plant, candles or other decorative things instead of candy and goodies.
- Be a designated driver- this will prevent you from consuming extra calories in alcohol.
Strategies when you are entertaining:
- Serve a broth-based soup as the first course instead of a cream based soup or pasta. Helps to not eat as much for the main course.
- Think healthy substitutions- coconut oil instead of butter, xylitol instead of white sugar, oil based sauces instead of cream based.
- After a party, send leftovers home with friends instead of feeling like you have to finish them.