December 18, 2009
By Jessica Forbes
We’re halfway through December, a notorious month for weight gain due to all the holiday parties and other food-related gatherings. Here are five tips to help prevent weight gain during these festivities:
1. Bring an afternoon snack to work to prevent overindulging at the holiday goodies table mid-afternoon. Ideas include cheese and crackers, hard boiled eggs, raw vegetables and hummus, or a protein shake.
2. Stay hydrated – it’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger. Even though it’s cold outside, your body still needs plenty of water to keep from getting dehydrated due to dry winter air.
3. Eat something containing protein alongside anything sweet or alcoholic. This prevents your blood sugar from “spiking and crashing” which contributes to weight gain. There are usually protein choices at most holiday parties in the form of cheese, meat, and dips. Be sure to put a portion of these items on your party plate alongside any desserts or alcoholic drinks.
4. Eat a light snack before going to evening holiday parties. It may seem counterintuitive to eat before going to a party, but if you have something very light containing protein (half a protein shake, 1 hard boiled eggs, 2” piece of cheese) then you will arrive at the party with stable blood sugar and will be more likely to stay in control of portion sizes when it’s time to eat.
5. If it’s a potluck, bring something healthy to share that you know you will eat and enjoy. Ideas include fruit, a veggie tray with dip, a cold cut platter, cheese and crackers, or deviled eggs.
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