Stock up on fun over sweets
When family and children come to town it can be easy to walk to fill the candy bowl or cookie jar, but if that becomes a temptation for you, instead provide fun non-candy dollar store items that the kids, even some adults, will still love. Examples include glow sticks, coloring books, whoopee cushions, bubbles, stickers, and temporary tattoos.
Eat healthy first.
If you're going to an event or meal out, control hunger by eating a healthy meal or snack before. This is where your protein supplements can come in handy too to ensure you are satiated enough to avoid giving into extreme hunger and overeating.
Bring your own portion-controlled plate and cup.
Those large dinner plates can cause us to pile on far more than a single portion of food, and as humans, we are often inclined to try and finish all the food on our plate. To help with this, bring your own smaller plate, maybe even find one with sectioned out portions, so you are more aware of how much you are consuming. Take it a step further and bring a 5 ounce cup and limit to one small high calorie beverage, and stick to water for the rest of the night.
Eat mindfully.
We often overeat because we revert to unconscious eating, and then we do not recognize when we are full in a timely manner (until we are too full). Eating mindfully helps us to slow down and focus on what we are eating and how much to create a better connection between physiological need and mental state. This can also lead to making healthier choices in addition to eating less.
Buddy up.
Ask a friend, family member, coworker, or significant other to be your support system through the holidays. This person may also be following a meal plan, have similar weight loss goals, or someone who will just be there to eat healthier with you and cheer you on. This person is a support system to remind you of your goals, NOT shame you. Be sure to pick someone who is positive and uplifting and you can have a honest conversation with about what you need from them. This buddy can help bring joy and camaraderie to the pursuit of eating healthy during the holidays. Talk to your DECO Dietitian if you need help on approaching someone for support.
Adapted from Robard 5 Diet Compliance Tips for the Holiday Season
