Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, laughing all the way. All those smells and holiday treats, wonder what I weigh? The average American gains between five to eight pounds from Thanksgiving through the end of the year. This does not mean that when the holidays come around that you cannot partake in socializing and some special treats. But, how do you resist all the goodies that friends and family offer you? Here are some tips to make navigating the holidays easier.
-Prepare your own anti-inflammatory recipes to bring to parties, events and family gatherings.
-Avoid skipping meals earlier in the day in preparation for a family event or party. Doing so may cause you to overeat foods that are prepared with unhealthy ingredients.
-Go for the small plate in the buffet line and choose items thoughtfully.
-Keep in mind that protein will help you to feel full, so look for your protein options to eat first.
-Be forthright but polite in your conversations with family and friends about how your health is impacted by what you eat. Using “I” statements like, “I appreciate the time and effort you put into the lovely spread, but I do need to be mindful of what I eat because…”
-Keep your stress in check. The holidays can be a stressful or even unhappy time of year for many individuals, and often high stress leads to unhealthy food choices or overeating.
– Take a sniff of citrus or vanilla. Favorite smells can reduce anxiety and perhaps even ease depression. There are essentials oils that can be used for aromatherapy or with a relaxing bath to engage the senses but discourage overeating.