JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
10. Monitor portion sizes! Treat yourself to those once a year delicacies, but eat a small portion of each.
9. Eat a light meal or snack before you go to any party so you don't arrive ready to attack the buffet table. Focus on socializing with your friends away from the buffet table so you are not tempted to overeat.
8. If hosting a party, have non-alcoholic beverages and healthy food items available such as vegetables, fruits, and salad on the menu. If you are going to a party, offer to bring a healthy low-calorie dish.
7. Alcoholic beverages and punches can add unnecessary calories so look for water, diet soda or hot cider.
6. When preparing a food, have substitutes available for the high calorie and high fat ingredients. For example, substitute two egg whites for one whole egg or applesauce for oil when baking.
5. Savor each bite - it takes the stomach 20 minutes to signal the brain that you are full.
4. Avoid fast food! Holidays are a busy time of year with Christmas shopping, parties and end of year festivities but make a little time to pack meals for on the go or have a restaurant in mind beforehand where you know you can order a healthy meal item.
3. Out of sight, out of mind! Make a pledge with your office co-workers to keep the holiday cookies and candy out of the office snack room. For a little office treat on those cold winter days, have hot chocolate on hand that can be mixed with water or skim milk.
2. Don't hibernate! To burn off any extra indulgent calories and to help you maintain your weight during the holidays, get moving! Plan a family walk after your holiday dinner to view neighborhood lights or ask a co-worker or friend to walk with you on your lunch break.
1. Be realistic and don't try to diet during the holidays! Just try to maintain your weight and enjoy the holidays with family, friends, and loved ones.
Season's Greetings!