Everyone is temped by delicious foods and special holiday treats on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year Eve. But eating can-make-us-feel-miserable after dinner.
Here are some of my tricks to feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
- Eat normally beforehand. You're more likely to overeat if you come famished.
- Enjoy a few tablespoons of nuts (the ones you need to crack and shell are better) an hour or so before dinner. The nuts will leave you satisfied and less likely to overeat.
- Use big flavors with low calorie counts — fresh and dried herbs, spices, citrus zests — to replace high-cal sugar and fat in recipes.
- In recipes, try evaporated milk — 2% or regular whole — as a creamy, lower-calorie option instead of half-and-half or cream.
- If enjoying wine or other caloric drinks, have a glass of water for every drink.
- After the big meal, postpone TV; go for a walk instead.
- Put out a bowl of fruit for post-dinner snacking instead of nibbling on leftovers.
Everyone loves the holidays, but unfortunately this is the time of year when most of us put on extra pounds. The holiday parties and family gathering can make it very challenging, but the key is finding those tricks that help you avoid overeating. Please share your tips on avoiding over indulging on the holidays the more tips we have the better chances we have to succeed.
Have a happy and healthy holiday!
