5 Secrets to avoid overeating this Holiday Season

It is that time of year again!…Holiday Season

There are so many temptations from holiday gatherings, dinners, and parties. These events often come with an expectation to over indulge, drink more than we normally do, and be a little more sedentary. This often sets us up for wanting to “get back on track” and set that New Year’s resolution to drink less, exercise more, and eat right.

But why not start now and still enjoy the Holidays without the feeling of guilt. The skills you learn on how to stay healthy are a lifestyle change.

The time is now to start feeling better and still enjoy the food you love without the guilt.

Here is a starting point guide on how to avoid overeating this Holiday Season:

Moderation

We’ve always the heard the saying to enjoy everything in moderation, and that is definitely true when it comes to holiday foods. With obesity being a global concern, now is the time to work on lifestyle skills to keep you at your tip-top shape all year. Studies show that lifestyle interventions for weight gain prevention can decrease the all cause mortality rates. So, developing skills to maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors is key for optimal wellness and illness prevention.

Don’t try to deprive yourself during the holidays, it most likely won’t go over well. Having an extra holiday treat here and there won’t kill you. You’re allowed to indulge a bit, just keep portions small when it comes to holiday desserts and make sure you limit how often you eat them. Need more ideas on what to eat? Check out Dr.Ellie’s Autumn Nutrition Course here.

*A key tip to help with moderation is to have small meals throughout the day which helps to keep blood sugar under control. This will also help to curb the desire to have one huge meal during the holiday season. This leads to feeling of fullness, stomach upset, and often dis regulated blood sugar and overeating.

Limit the alcohol

The holidays are a time for celebration, which most likely means more alcohol. Not only does alcohol add on empty calories, but can also lead you to eating more while drinking. If you are at a gathering, limit yourself to one or two drinks to cut down on the unhealthy cravings you might be feeling afterward.

*A key tip is to match every glass of alcohol with a 16oz glass of water. There are also great non-alcoholic beverages that are great and enjoyable. Sparkling water can be used to create a mock-tail or there are CBD infused sparkling waters (that have no sugar or calories) that can help to provide relaxation benefits without the alcohol.

Focus on the protein

Protein-packed foods are a great way to fill up without adding a lot of sugar and empty carbohydrates. Pack your plate with low-fat meats like turkey and chicken. If you’re vegetarian, eat more of the tofu than the side dishes that are most likely to be sugar and carbohydrate heavy.

*A key tip is to have protein at every meal. This can also help to stabilize blood sugar which can help curb overeating.

Fill up on the water

Don’t forget about water! The holidays are an easy time to drink more sugary beverages than normal. Substitute drinks for water, and drink a lot of it. Not only is water essential for your health, but drinking a glass before a meal can fill you up more as well, preventing you from overeating. Check out our previous post here on how to stay on top of hydration.

*A key tip is to have a full glass, 16oz of hot water with lemon, 2-3x day. This can not only help to keep hydration up but can help with digestion!

Take your time

Eating too fast is one of the easiest ways to overeat. When you don’t give your body the chance to digest food and feel full before you stop eating, chances are you’re going to end up eating more than you want. Eat slowly and enjoy each bite to give your body a chance to catch up. This way, you’ll end up getting full faster and eat less.

Most of all don’t forget to enjoy the holidays and the delicious food that comes with it, don’t be afraid to indulge a little!

At Starting Point Acupuncture and Wellness, we help you go back to the basics and improve sleep, boost energy, and get pain-free. Schedule a consult today by calling our office at (425) 686-4498.

Sources:

Uptodate.com

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818870/