Plan A: The obvious solution to avoiding weight gain over the holidays is also the one nobody wants to hear... steer clear of all the extra food! That’s no fun. We wait all year for the holiday season so let’s move on to plan B.
Plan B: Whether you’re having guests or travelling to friends and family, you need to have a little strategy before celebrating. Let’s just assume that your will power is out having eggnog with the reindeer. Instead of trying to curb your eating habits let’s try and direct them. You’re still going to enjoy all that rich and wonderful food. However, your going to be more mindful of what you are eating and when.
Hors devours and Snacks
Travelling long hours of to friends and family can really stir up your appetite. By this time you are thinking with your stomach instead of your brain. Upon arrival there is usually the typical snack plate waiting for you. Avoid filling up on crackers, sweets, and starchy foods. Stick to a small sample of cheese, nuts, or hors devours. Instead of fruit punch or a heavy drink, have something light or just plain old water. Save the festive drinks for dinner time. By avoiding starches and sugars you will have far less gas, and you won’t destroy your dinner appetite. Don’t fill up on hors devours because the good stuff is still to come!
The Meal
Some of us eat a small holiday meal because we got full on hors devours and drinks. Some of us try to save room for all the yummy deserts coming after dinner. Both strategies end in an undesirable bloated feeling and the traditional expression, “I ate too much! “. Remember that the holiday meal usually has a high quality protein/fat like turkey, and plenty of vegetables/salad. This is the stuff you should fill up on. You can save the bread, crackers, and rice for another meal.
The desert ( the big finish)
For some of us, desert is the highlight of the holiday meal. Hopefully you have taken my advice and didn’t skimp on the main course. You should feel comfortably full by this point in the meal. Select one portion of only one desert. Enjoy yourself and walk away. If you continue after this point you will regret it. Many rich deserts contain almost as much fat and calories as the entire main course.
After dinner drinks
After eating all that delicious food your digestive system will be working overtime. Make this process easier on your body by drinking a cup of hot tea. I prefer green tea, but black teas can be just as effective. Don’t load your tea up with sugar and milk because that will just make you feel more bloated.
Walking
The last thing you want to do after a big holiday meal is something active. However, research shows that the digestive system is more efficient with light physical activity. If you want to get rid of that post dinner bloat try going for a walk.
