With the holidays approaching – office parties, neighborhood gatherings and a plate of your favorite fudge from Aunt Betty – what’s a health & weight-conscious individual to do?
As you’re preparing yourself to indulge in your favorite holiday dishes, keep in mind that portion control is your friend and the very thing that will protect you from packing on the pounds over the coming weeks.
Portions have become bigger and bigger. In fact…
One report shows that “over the last 20 years, the standard size of a dinner plate increased from 10 to 12 inches. The sizes of cups and bowls increased as well. Restaurants now offer better values with bigger portions. Soft drinks have increased in size by 52 percent. Needless to say, the obesity rates have increased, too.”
The report goes on to add, “… when a larger portion is placed in front of us, we tend to eat 30-50 percent more without even realizing it.”
Tips to help you “Keep it Small” this holiday season
The following tips can help you keep your portions AND your waist small:
Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before eating. This reduces your appetite.
Use smaller dishes. Opt to eat on a ‘child-sized’ plate, if possible and avoid over filling it. Make your holiday gatherings more about the fun and the conversation than about the food.
Slow down. Take small bites and chew thoroughly to savor the flavors and enjoy the taste of the food rather than wolfing it down. This also allows your body to better digest the food.
Share a meal when eating out, or box up half of your meal before you begin eating so you can take it home to eat for another meal.
Fill more than half of your plate with healthy fare – make protein, veggies and (possibly) fruit the star of your plate, while making the starchy carbs fill-ins.
If you think you are going to be tempted to over-indulge or if you feel extra hungry before you head to a party or gathering, have a glass of this delicious appetite suppressing drink before you leave.
It will take the edge off, fill you with some great nutrients and even help you adhere to your choice to be healthy and happy this holiday season.
Be sure to follow this holiday health tips eating guide this year and years to come… Happy Holidays!
