Reducing high-calorie foods or even skipping entire meals in the days or weeks before Christmas to eat more is a common strategy of many women. But the temporary approach of a strict diet doesn't work. Nothing is going to work in the short term. Any diet or change of eating habits should be long lasting. Moderate food is always best, even on the holidays. There's that impulse to feast on a variety of calorie-laden foods and desserts. But there are ways to enjoy a good, nutritious meal without overeating or starving yourself. Here are a few:
It's OK to eat beforehand.
If you're thinking about skipping meals and snacks from Christmas to the main meal, don't. A light breakfast and lunch help reduce the tendency to overeat later in the day. Eat smaller portions, but make sure to include some fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich grains, and protein. In addition, it is wise to have a small protein-rich snack just before the big meal.
Drink water beforehand. Drinking plenty of water can also help curb your appetite. Have plenty of calorie- and decaffeinated liquids before and during meals. All liquids count, including soup and watery fruits and vegetables.
Eat carefully and watch your portions.
You don't have to fill your plate with everything on the table. Carefully consider your options. Choose only the food you really like. Don't just eat a sandwich or crackers because it's there. Choose the homemade, specially prepared items and really taste them. If something isn't great, don't feel obligated to keep eating it.
And don't rush. Eating mindfully, paying attention to how you feel while you eat will help you enjoy your food better. It takes about 20 minutes for our brains to hear that our stomach is full, so taking a few minutes between servings can help prevent overeating.
You should be able to try everything you want, but that doesn't mean you need a whole serving of everything you want. To help with portion control, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables and the other half with protein and grains. Aim for just one serving. Don't go for a second or third time. Eat your vegetables first to feel full with less.
Wait about half an hour between dinner and dessert and cut food into smaller pieces to increase the time it takes to eat.
Socialize with family and friends.
Catching up with family and friends ensures that you are busy with something else. Festive meals are usually long. You can take an hour and just have some tea and chat with everyone, then go back later for more food if you want more.
Think of the leftovers.
If you are organizing a gathering, you are giving your guests some food to take home. If you are a guest, ask for a small doggy bag. This way you can save some for the next few days.
Some extra tips:
Do some physical activity early in the day before you are too busy.
Avoid taking food when you are cleaning up afterwards. Put a piece of gum in your mouth or brush your teeth after dessert to avoid snacking later in the evening.
