The Holidays are upon us and so are the Holiday Parties!

by: Jayson Hunter RD, CSCS

We all know this is a hard time of the year to control our weight with all the [tag]holiday parties[/tag], which of course includes high calorie foods and drinks.

Over the past 37 years the number of calories adults get through beverages has nearly doubled.  This got me thinking because beverages do not fill us up regardless of the beverage type.  Though they can have some serious consequences in terms of not only weight gain, but obesity and diabetes. 

With the holidays already upon us we need to be conscious of what we are putting in our mouths.  Food or beverage wise. 

Here are some tips to get you through the holidays.

One day won't ruin what you have worked so hard to accomplish so with Thanksgiving in just a few days don't worry if you overeat some on this day.  I don't suggest you pig out and eat everything in sight, but don't limit or restrict your eating.  Enjoy this day and the good food that it provides.  Don't forget Turkey is a high thermic food which helps with [tag]weight loss[/tag].

Just remember this is one day though and Friday you are back to a normal eating routine and making sure you are eating plenty of protein, fruits, vegetables, and fiber rich foods.

So you have made it through one holiday hurdle and there are still holiday parties to conquer.

The best way to do this is by eating ahead of time.  Either eat a snack filled with [tag]protein[/tag] and [tag]fiber[/tag] so that you feel full or eat a normal meal so that you don't have that urge to graze and try everything that is presented to you. 

Some people have the will power to avoid all the foods, but that is difficult for most.  I suggest you limit yourself to 3 choices.  Now the food sizes can vary, but most foods at a holiday party are some type of deli tray or party platter of cheeses, meats and bite size desserts.

Limit yourself to 3 selections and you will leave that party having a great time without consuming too many calories.  Holiday parties weren't invented to be eating fests.  They were created to get together with friends and have a good time.  We created the monster of having to have high caloried foods.

Now back to the beverage topic which is the reason I wanted to write this today.  Alcohol, egg nog, ciders are abundant at holiday parties and they all contain calories.  Probably the best way to tackle this is limit yourself to 1-2 drinks regardless of what they are.  It allows you to enjoy yourself, but still control calorie intake. 

Don't fear the holidays and the weight gain they may cause.  Instead embrace the holidays and learn to eat and drink within your means so that you enjoy yourself yet come out the other side the same lighter than when you entered.