by Ginny Becker

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

How to Avoid the Holiday Bulge

As the holidays draw near, we're faced yet again with the nagging problem of how to balance our love-hate relationship with food. The love part is fun-we enjoy anything sweet and delicious. But, the hate part is the consequence of our indulgence-extra pounds and anger at ourselves for losing control yet again.

We know what we have to do. We fully comprehend that the "M" word Moderation, is our best chance at enjoying the holidays, since too much or too little indulgence won't benefit us. We should be able to savor a few treats without guilt or additional bulge as payback.

The tricky part is figuring out exactly how to achieve moderation. We head to holiday festivities with the best of intentions, but, as Robert Burns wrote," The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray."

Adding to this challenge is the issue of being exposed to more temptation than usual during the holiday season. In addition to parties, you'll likely find an abundance of treats at the office. Clients often send gifts of unhealthy, high sugar foods throughout the holiday season to express their thanks. I imagine these clients don't have issues moderating their food intake because these are cruel gifts! Better yet, maybe they're punishment for any below-par service we've provided throughout the year as thanks, they wish fat thighs and stomachs upon us!

Mall stores often try to lure us in with free samples of their fattening treats, so stay strong! Even normally mundane visits to friends and family during the holiday season suddenly present new and delicious food options that we hadn't previously considered.

Solutions are easier than you think - follow these tips and show Moderation a thing or two this holiday season!

*Eat a decent sized, low-fat meal each day before you leave the house and you'll be less likely to lose your self-control when temptations arise. Pack any additional food and snacks you'll need for meals away from home. Make a point of keeping your fridge fully stocked with lots of veggies such as lettuce (to create monster-sized salads) and tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower and zucchini. These veggies have some bulk and will fill you up without the extra calories of veggies such as carrots and squash. Don't forget lean protein, including chicken, turkey, beef and fish. Protein is also known to help curb a sweet tooth. Add a bit of olive oil and you're good to go!
Hint: Your aim is to feel satisfied after a meal and a good way to achieve this is by always combining your veggies with some protein and a little fat (like olive oil or avocados). Leaving any of these 3 components out may result in an unsatisfied feeling after eating-many people make the mistake of avoiding fat altogether, but healthy fats such as olive oil and avocados are essential to maintaining good health.

*Drink 64 oz. of pure water daily. In addition to keeping your digestion moving, water rids the body of waste while helping you feel full.

*No excuses that you're too busy to exercise this is the worst time of the year to take a break! Exercise and you'll feel in control of your weight and minimize any guilty feelings about the treats you do allow yourself. Guaranteed, you'll feel ahead of the game when January 1 arrives-holding to your routine will be a no-brainer if you're already in it!

*Feel free to indulge in a piece of cake or a little sample of several treats and enjoy a guilt-free and bulge-free holiday season!

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