You Are What You Eat

Alright folks, this is it. We are entering the first official week of the holiday season, which usually means over-eating, and not on wholesome, healthful foods. Too often, the holidays send dieting hopefuls careening off the healthy living pathways they have been carving all year long. But what people don't realize is that just because there is a smorgasbord available to them does not mean you have to eat it ALL. You are not obligated to heap food on your plate, go back for seconds and possibly thirds, and finish it all off with waaay too much dessert and a food-induced coma. This scenario may seem tantalizing and an indispensable tradition, but if you stop to think about it, what does the momentary gluttony award you, really? A belly ache? Tight fitting clothes? A downward spiral that won't end until after the New Year that ruins all of your previous hard work? Why bother?

You are in control; you are what you eat. Here are some strategies you could use in the weeks ahead:

1) In preparing your own dish(es), opt for healthier versions, insuring that you have at least one healthy option. Be sure to make one of your favorites in this manner so that you can more "safely" indulge.

2) If you're like me, you may feel hunger pains not long before it is time to leave for the dinner destination. Have a light snack to prevent a pig-out session upon arrival. I've done this several times, and it really does help. Also, don't skip meals thinking you're saving up your caloric intake for the feast later. Eat, but do so lightly. It will actually keep your metabolism running better if you eat something every few hours than if you fast all day and then binge.

3) Be realistic and abandon the all or nothing mentality. Most certainly, holidays offer many opportunities to delight your taste buds with those special dishes that you may only see once or twice a year. Depriving yourself or feeling guilty after consumption is no way to enjoy the holiday season. "Everything in moderation" is the key. Control your portions, and listen to your body when it's screaming for you to put the fork down.

4) In the same vein, eat slowly. If you wolf everything down, you won't be able to heed your body's inner groanings. Also, taking the time to really chew your food and enjoy it will make the whole feasting experience that much more pleasant and full-filling. :) Furthermore, it will extend its duration, and with so much of the holidays centering around spending time with family, what better way to do it than noshing over spectacular grub!?

5) Finally, try to work in some physical activity into your holiday plans - whether in the form of a family football game, a brisk walk following dinner, or in a well-thought out workout. Anything is better than nothing, and physical activity to any degree can only help you. This notion holds true all year, but cannot be more important to put into practice than during the holidays.

Having read this, you may think me to be a Grinch of sorts with nothing more than brussel sprouts and celery heaped on my plate. (I have yet to try brussel sprouts). This idea could not be more false. I enjoy every holiday and all their fixings. My favorite holiday staple is yams; I usually make them myself-with marshmallows on top. But for the last few years, I've emerged from holiday feasts fully satisfied and not bulging at my waistline. All it takes is a little careful thought and self-control and you can emerge victorious (and not a pound heavier) too. Good luck!