'Tis the season for temptation, here's how to enjoy holiday treats without the extra pounds.
I'm guilty as charged when it comes to overindulging during the holidays. As someone with a raging sweet tooth, I look forward to tins of Christmas cookies and all the goodies (and glasses of holiday cheer!) served at parties throughout the month of December. In order to not let my temptations get the best of me, I've put into practice a few beneficial rules in order to not let the holidays get the best of me -- or my waistline.
Image source Wikimedia Commons
Meal Planning and Preparation
Each Sunday after doing my household chores I break out the crockpot and put together a meal that is not only full of protein and veggies, but the amount made sustains me throughout the week. This way, after a long day at work, I can come home and heat up dinner without going directly to the pantry to rummage around and fill up on snack foods. Whatever is left over I put in the freezer to eat at a later date. By planning ahead, I can remind myself before ordering takeout that, "THERE'S FOOD AT HOME, LAURA!"
The internet is flush with healthy crockpot combinations that leave you full and free of guilt. After eating up a bowl of something good for me, I know I can eat up a few frosted Christmas cookies here and there, which leads us to ...
Image source Wikimedia Commons
Follow the 80/20 Rule
80 percent healthy, 20 percent sweets. This took a little discipline on my part, but knowing that I've spent the majority of my mealtimes eating proteins, vegetables, and good carbs means that I can take in a nice slice of chocolate cake without feeling guilty.
Stay Active
I don't know about you, but the early sunsets and low winter temperatures don't do anything good for my mood and the urge to stay inside usually finds me polishing off a bag of Lay's chips in front of the TV set. To remedy this, I joined a HIIT gym and four times a week I work up a sweat with professional oversight and other like-minded individuals who enjoy burning calories and getting a hearty dose of endorphins. One healthy choice leads to another, and I find myself reaching for a protein shake instead of a candy bar.
I don't know about you, but I'd say this man deserves a cookie.
Have a Surplus of Sweets? Give 'Em Away!
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the gesture of someone thinking of me and giving me a plate full of homemade Christmas cookies. The problem with this is that I'm on the receiving end of more than one generous donor. Rather than pushing them aside and letting them go stale, I'll bring them into the office to share with my co-workers or head over to a nearby police or fire station and give them to the men and women who risk their lives each day to keep us safe. Goodness knows they need the occasional morale boost, especially this time of year.
Curious about how holiday foods actually impact your health?
