Chestnuts roasting on an open fire should be the least of your worries for the typical holiday season. December is a naturally gloomy month, in many parts of the world it is the month with the least amount of daylight, there are cold, cold days, and other inclement weather woes! To combat the gloominess many different cultures and religions have put some of the biggest celebrations and festivals in the middle of winter, which for us means lots of extra goodies and calories. However, there are some great fat burning foods you can try to incorporate in your festivities, or if you are not home for the holidays there will be plenty of healthy fare available at other people’s tables, it is just a matter of knowing what to put on your plate.
For me, I have always let Christmas day be my “eat anything” day. Even on my monthly “free” days, I don’t eat to excess. Christmas is the one day of the year I will truly eat anything I want. However, it is in that 24 hours and those hours only! Every other holiday I enjoy sensibly. Try to pick your favorite holiday and do the same.
Unless you or your family are vegetarians, there will likely be a meat of some sort at your party. Many people will serve salad and a variety of appetizers at their parties. Before the main event, fill up on the salad and veggie platter. Even have a piece of cheese and crackers (be sure not to overindulge here). For the main course, choose lean, white meat if you are eating a bird, and trim the fat if you are eating a dark meat. Also put a fist sized portion of a starch on your plate if there is a whole or brown option and a half sized portion if the only options available are white or refined. Then get the vegetables, beans and other low glycemic index foods are the best here. Protein and complex carbohydrates will help you fill up to resist the dessert later! For dessert, have some Jello, or any other light option. Sometimes, there is just nothing “friendly” available, so be sure to enjoy some weight loss tea, or coffee (without the sugar and creamer).
Just because we are in the holiday season does not mean you should give up on your diet. Enjoy things moderately and you will come through just fine, and without the guilt that makes for the typical new year’s resolution!