HELLO HOLIDAYS!

Holidays are a time for enjoying family and friends. A time to relax, slow down and appreciate the ones we love the most. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the "EATING SEASON" which can make living the healthy clean life tough. What to do? White knuckle it and feel deprived? Throw in the towel and overdo it, only to feel sluggish and disappointed on January 1? There has to be an easier way. Guess what - there is!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before Turkey day is here!

DO NOT SKIP MEALS

I know on paper it makes sense to save your calories so you will have more to enjoy at the celebration but this is exactly what you should not do. Going long periods of time between meals only decreases your blood sugar making it much more difficult to show restraint when the pie arrives. In addition, low blood sugar can make you grouchy and tired - not good when the family is all together.

ALLOW YOURSELF SMALL AMOUNTS OF THE FOOD YOU LOVE

After the first few bites, it all tastes the same. Take a small portion, eat off of a small plate and put your fork down after the first bite or two and see if you really need more.

CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT AND WALK AWAY FROM THE TABLE

This pertains to buffets and cocktail parties. Standing next to the food table can be the kiss of death. Once you start chatting with friends, you are not paying attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Calories galore!

DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Hunger is one of the first signs of dehydration. Before you decide to eat, have a big glass of water or seltzer. This will serve two purposes. Rehydration and keeping your stomach full. Try alternating a bottle of water for every higher calorie drink you consume. It will slow your drinking calories down.

Last but not least remember the word is holiDAY not holiWEEK! Give yourself permission to enjoy the day but try not to have the eating roll over to the next day or days. Give the leftovers away or freeze them for a later time.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS - Noreen