The holidays are upon us ““ or at least looming on the not-so-distant horizon ““ and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably already worrying about how to keep holiday weight gain at bay.
Luckily, St. Elizabeth Registered Dietitian Karah Stanley has four tips to help us arm ourselves against calorie overload this season.
- Plan early and plan often.
“When we’re busy, spending five minutes to think of two to three dinners that are quick, easy and healthy takes the mystery out of what’s for dinner so you don’t end up at restaurants five nights a week,” Stanley said.
Also, be sure to make extra so you can eat leftovers the next day.
- Take a snack with you.
Whatever you’re doing ““ whether it’s running errands, shopping, going to parties or dinners ““ make sure you bring a light snack with you. Sticking a piece of fruit or a baggie of almonds in your purse will keep you from landing in a fast food trap or making unhealthy choices later.
“Don’t go anywhere hungry,” Stanley stresses.
- Watch high-calorie seasonal favorites.
I love pumpkin spice lattes as much as the next gal, but the hard truth is those kinds of high-calorie, seasonal drinks can sabotage your weight goals.
In addition to lattes and other coffee drinks, watch out for alcohol, eggnog or just eating too much food at holiday parties.
“Don’t waste calories on food if you don’t love it,” Stanley said. “Choose foods you really like and then watch your portions.”
- Don’t mingle around the snack table.
This one’s a hard one because, let’s face it, it’s where women in particular tend to congregate at social gatherings. Instead of participating in the tried-and-true, though, Stanley recommends bucking the trend and starting a new one ““ away from the food table.
The holidays don’t have to be a scary time for weight watchers. Just make a plan and practice prevention. Your waistline will thank you come January.
