Let's be honest, the holidays are full of family, fun, and most of all, food. It's nearly impossible to say no to all of the delicious treats around the holidays: casseroles, stuffing, cookies, pie, etc. Add some festive drinks to the mix and the calories can really add up. However, the holidays don't have to be full of binge eating and button popping. Here are some helpful tips for controlling calorie intake during this festive season.
1. Portion control.
Watching your calories doesn't mean you have to skip any of the great dishes. You should indulge in everything, just with some portion control in mind. A helpful tip is to not take more than one scoop of each thing because that's when things can get out of hand. Also, as much as you will want seconds, try to limit yourself to one trip to the kitchen. There is always room for leftovers tomorrow, but binge eating can lead to many health problems and a slow digestion of fats.
2. Low-calorie drinks.
For many of us, the holidays mean more than just food. Alcohol and sugary drinks also have a seat reserved for many holiday festivities. This year, instead of drinking a whole bottle of wine, make a sangria mixed with low-calorie juices and zero calorie sweeteners. This small change may seem subtle, but it can really make a difference. Also, liquor with diet club soda or diet cranberry juice is always a great option. If you're a beer lover, try to trick to light beers, such as Michelob Ultra, with only around 100 calories and two carbs per beer. Check out some low-calorie sangria recipes here.
3. Healthy alternatives.
If you are currently dieting and don't want to blow your progress, there are many healthy alternatives for the classic holiday dishes. For example, instead of potato casserole, try a lower calorie green bean casserole. If you really want to watch the cals, just sauté some veggies with a little bit of butter and seasoning. Or, instead of indulging in one (or two) pieces of pie, try a low-calorie ice cream such as Halo Top. If these options aren't presented at your holiday bash, don't be afraid to bring them yourself! Less work for the cook.
Although the holidays can be harmful to your waistline, remember that the most important tip is to enjoy the precious time with your family. Don't take these moments for granted; it's okay to indulge a little bit, and in no way should you pass on the delicious meal your family puts together. Just be smart is your eating choices and you'll survive the holidays without having to make that horrible New Year's resolution to go to the gym twice a day.