1. Dying for that Egg Nog latte or some other delectable drink? It's ok! Here's how I still have my treats and didn't feel guilty.
- Choose the lower calorie option whenever you can. Instead of 2% milk opt for skim milk.
- Get a small version of what you love. Starbucks has a "short" size (8oz) available that is not shown on the menu. Choosing this option will knock down a lot of calories and fat.
- Ask for "half sweet" or sugar-free. This will cut down on the sugar content.
- Skip the whip. Can't live without it? I would then make sure the drink was made with skim milk, sugar-free and get the smallest version available.
Every bit of calories you can omit adds up.
2. The Turkey dinner with all the fix-ins. You can still have all your favorites. Use a small plate. Select your meat first, then the veggies, then the specialty dishes and sweets. For me, meat is the largest amount on my plate then veggies and the specialty dishes are the smallest at about 2 teaspoons each. When I eat, I start off eating how I put together my plate - meat, then veggies and so on. By the time you have chewed each bite slowly you will not have much room for the specialty dishes or you many not even want them by then. Either way, you won't be loading up on empty calories if you eat them last.
3. Be sure to keep moving. Even if you are indulging lightly, the calories are still empty. Go for a walk around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights or hit the mall and do laps while window shopping. Just keep moving. Holidays can be a very stressful time of the year and the exercise will help.
4. Reward yourself with something other than food. Get it out of your head that food is a reward. Treats are just that, a treat. Once in a while. The sooner you get "get" this, the faster your relationship with food will change for a healthier view. Rewards could be a new book, outfit, massage, pedicure, manicure, long hot bath with smelly goodness. You get the point.
5. Help, I was given candy for Christmas/Easter!!!! Don't panic. Take it to work, put it in the lunchroom and put a "help yourself" sign on it. Works every time for me. If you're not working, give the candy away to someone else. Depending on your relationship with family and friends, ask them to kindly not buy you sweets/candies.
6. If you are having problems staying on track, enlist the help of a personal trainer to keep you focused on your goals.
3. Be sure to keep moving. Even if you are indulging lightly, the calories are still empty. Go for a walk around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights or hit the mall and do laps while window shopping. Just keep moving. Holidays can be a very stressful time of the year and the exercise will help.
4. Reward yourself with something other than food. Get it out of your head that food is a reward. Treats are just that, a treat. Once in a while. The sooner you get "get" this, the faster your relationship with food will change for a healthier view. Rewards could be a new book, outfit, massage, pedicure, manicure, long hot bath with smelly goodness. You get the point.
5. Help, I was given candy for Christmas/Easter!!!! Don't panic. Take it to work, put it in the lunchroom and put a "help yourself" sign on it. Works every time for me. If you're not working, give the candy away to someone else. Depending on your relationship with family and friends, ask them to kindly not buy you sweets/candies.
6. If you are having problems staying on track, enlist the help of a personal trainer to keep you focused on your goals.
