7 Tips to Help You Stop Overeating during the Holidays

The holidays are the perfect time for us to gather with our families and friends, give thanks, and cherish the fulfilling relationships that we have in our lives. Unfortunately, the holidays have also become a time to overindulge in our favorite foods – so it’s great to be mindful about what we’re really celebrating, and how we can make a solid plan to prevent us from eating too much during this time of the year. We don’t have to gain weight this holiday season and then try to lose it come January 1, 2015. We also don’t have to starve ourselves, or deprive ourselves of foods we love. We can enjoy our favorite foods in a way that is healthy, especially if we try these few tips!

1. Eat Breakfast
You’ve heard it a million times: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Eating breakfast every day can help stop you from binging the rest of the day, especially if you have a dinner or special event to attend or host. If you’re hosting an event, I know you have lots to do: cook, clean, entertain guests, etc. but trust me, taking the time to eat a good, healthy breakfast will keep you full so you don’t overeat later. Try having a bowl of oatmeal with a nut butter, some cinnamon, and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. This should keep you full for a bit. You can also have a slice of toast with a nut butter and a warm cup of tea. If you are gluten-free, just use gluten-free oats or gluten-free toast.  If you really want a filling breakfast, make a delicious tofu scramble and load up on vegetables (just be sure to use organic, non-gmo tofu :)).Whatever you love to have that is healthy and filling will be perfect.

2. Stay Hydrated
Sometimes we mistaken our thirst for hunger, so be sure to drink water throughout the day to prevent you from snacking, when all your body really needs is some water. A good rule of thumb to follow is that we should drink half our weight (pounds) in water (ounces). So if you weigh 140 pounds, for example, you should aim to drink 70 ounces of water a day. If that sounds like too much, try to work your way up to this – do not chug water just to get the recommended ounces! Instead, remember to stay hydrated at a rate that feels right to you.

3. Be Mindful When You’re Eating
Chew slowly and enjoy your food. On special occasions, such as Thanksgiving, I know it’s tempting to grab a gigantic plate and pile food high, but you’re not doing yourself a favor by doing so. Instead, reach for a decent sized plate, and fill it once. When you’re done eating from that plate, you’re done eating. As always, eat your vegetables! I’m sure you’ll have plenty of options, so eat salad, green beans, sweet potatoes, and other healthy options that are available – and then add more decadent items to your plate – in small portions. You’ll feel better if you eat healthy food, I promise.

4. Stay out of the Kitchen
It’s tempting to linger around the kitchen and look for treats. If your family is anything like mine, you’ll likely find tons of goods, so do yourself a favor and stay out!

5. Eat One Dessert
When you’re attending a special event, or hosting a dinner, pick one delicious looking dessert to enjoy and say no to the rest. Have a friend to split the dessert with you? Even better.

6. Exercise
Maintain your workout routine, even on days when you have parties to attend or host. Try getting a workout in before everyone arrives or you have to head to someone’s place for dinner. A simple walk or a 30 minute yoga session would be great. Treat yourself to an activity you love so you can have time for yourself and so that you can keep your body moving – the last thing you want to do is overeat and sit on the couch all day – believe me, it’s not a good idea!

7. Get Some Rest
I know it’s tempting to skimp on sleep because you have so much to do during the holidays, or because you’ve been traveling to see family and friends, but try your best to get a decent night’s sleep. By doing so, you’re already giving yourself an advantage, because when we sleep well and for a good amount of time (aim for 7-8 hours a night), we naturally crave less unhealthy foods. When we don’t sleep enough, we release more of the hormone ghrelin, which tells our bodies that we are hungry and who wants that? And, as if that isn’t bad enough, when we don’t get enough sleep we produce less of the hormone leptin, which tells our bodies that we are full – talk about a healthy eating and living disaster! Plan your day so that you will get enough rest.

I hope that these tips will help you enjoy your favorite foods this holiday season, without overdoing it. If you want my ultimate guide to achieving your ideal weight, you’ll want to sign up for one of my amazing programs and get started right away! Don’t let the holidays get the best of your waistline, start losing weight now! Contact me and we’ll talk about which one of these programs is perfect for you!