by Gary Prager

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Battle of the Holiday Bulge

Tis the season for family cocktail parties and elaborate pig-outs. Having those mounds of irresistible food around makes it nearly impossible to prevent gaining unneeded weight. It seems like every year we make those promises that just never seem to hold up. Well, here are some sure fire tips you can follow to ensure the number on the scale doesn't change too much this year.

First and foremost, the best thing you can do is make sure you eat something before you leave. By eating something healthy and high in protein before you leave, you can be assured it won't be you pigging out on the cocktail weenies. Try something with tuna or chicken in it. Steer clear of all simple carbohydrates such as white bread or pastas; these will only make things worse in the long run.

Next, arm yourself with knowledge. Know which foods to eat without regard and those to use caution with. Ever wonder what Grandma's secret recipe was? It is simple, lots of butter. While that ingredient cannot be avoided in the desserts (we all know how bad those are so we won't discuss them here), some people seem to throw caution to the wind around the holidays with its use. While ham, turkey, green beans, and mashed potatoes can be very healthy the amount of extras used while preparing them can boost those calories like rocket fuel in a go-cart. Portions are the key here.

There is a very simple way to proportion your food. It's called the rule of thirds. One third of your plate should be a food high in protein (ham, turkey, chicken, etc), one third should be carbohydrates (preferably plain mashed potatoes), and the other third should be vegetables. If you don't feel full after your first plate, give it fifteen minutes. Your stomach does not send information to your brain immediately.

Another big mistake we make is choosing alcoholic beverages to wash down all that dry white-meat. Besides making you "that guy" the next week at work, alcohol will also ensure your body does not burn any of those newfound calories. When you consume alcohol your body will always burn the alcohol first while storing all other calories. Also, we all know it's easy to let go of our inhibitions after a few drinks. Next thing you know you've consumed enough cheese to entice an army of rats.

Lastly, leave the food where it was made. There's simply no need to take home leftovers because you feel obligated. Not only will this continue the parade of food down your throat it will also aide in creating bad habits at home. You should leave the bad eating where it belongs, someone else's house.

Knowing what you are consuming and how much of it you should consume will go a very long way in helping you achieve your goals. Most importantly you must remain committed to your plan. We all know just how hard it is to stand strong in the face of so much good food but reaming healthy is not easy. After all, if it was anybody could do it.

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