Facebook Pixel

No Dieting Holiday Tips

By
 
Rate This
Diets related image Photo: Getty Images

The holiday season can be traumatic when you’re trying to keep weight off. With so many good things to eat, your will power can disappear faster than a pumpkin pie. But, before you lock yourself in the closet with your Lean Cuisine, try these steps instead.

Get your rest. Studies have shown that sleeping an extra hour each night can help shed the pounds. Too little sleep can actually make you eat more. So make sure you hit the hay on schedule before hitting the holiday parties.

Veggies instead of chips. Instead of plunking down cookies and crackers within reach of you and your holiday guests, try having healthy snacks availabie. A tray of raw veggies and fresh fruit offers high fiber and more water. Everybody will thank you for providing healthy snacks with fewer calories.

Ditch the white bread. Even though your holiday tradition has included rolls and plain white bread, nobody will notice if you switch them out for whole wheat varieties. There’s plenty of multi-grain goodies out there these days. Stay away from refined foods and notice your waistline shrink.

Pretend you’re a European. Our neighbors across the pond have been taught to eat slower and savor each bite. Enjoy lively conversation with friends and family at the holiday table while appreciating the sight, smell, and taste of each bite. Eating slower gives your body the chance to digest small portions and trigger fullness to avoid overeating.

Keep your eyes on the prize. If you have a holiday outfit that was a little snug at the time of purchase, hang it where you can see it. Having a goal can help remind you to stop before grabbing that extra handful of peanuts before the big party.

Don’t starve. You might think starving yourself the day before the big holiday party will help you lose weight. Nope, doesn’t work. Eating in moderation a few days before and filling up with fruit and water is a better way to keep from stuffing yourself with fried appetizers the day of the party.

Avoid sugary drinks. Non-diet soft drinks and high-calories cocktails can put on weight faster than you can say, “I’ll have another”. If alcohol is a holiday tradition, try mixing liquor with water instead of juice or soda. Your body and head will thank you in the morning.

Sources:

WebMD – Healthy Eating and Diet - 24 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting. Web. 23, November, 2011
http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-no-diet-weight-loss

SHEKNOWS – Health & Wellness – Holiday Tips to keep You Trim. Web. 23, November, 20111
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/845797/holiday-diet-tips-to-keep-you-trim

Reviewed November 23, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Add a CommentComments

There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Vonnie Kennedy
Empowered
View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Diets

Get Email Updates

Diets Guide

Christine Jeffries
Empowered

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!