AVOID LETTING PARTIES RUIN YOUR DIET

This time of year is filled with parties, family gatherings and lots of food.  With a little help and a conscious effort, you can continue with a healthy, nutritious diet and keep on feeling and looking your absolute best! 

EAT RIGHT TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS

1)  Don’t skip meals.  Many people think skipping breakfast or lunch can help them “bank” calories for holiday parties.  But, this can make you crabby, tired and often result in a headache that could put a damper on your evening fun.  Plus being really hungry, we often over eat unwisely.

2)  Keep your brain fueled by eating a low calorie breakfast, mid morning snack of nuts/raisins etc and a healthy salad or sandwich on whole grain bread for lunch.

3)  Eat high fiber foods before the party to help you feel more satisfied and full. Choose low calorie vegies, a small salad, a piece of fruit or a bowl of high fiber oatmeal.

4)  Eat small amounts of the foods you love and take one piece of pie or cake or a cookie but not both. Fill your plate with healthy vegetables, fruits,whole grain crackers, cheese and lean meats.

5)  Don’t Hang Around the Buffet

Choose your foods and drink then move away and visit.  This causes yo to have to think about refilling your plate instead of mindlessly grazing.

6) Slow Down – Pace Yourself

Most people fill their plates then inhale their food.  It actually takes a few minutes for the brain to realize and signal the stomach that it’s getting full.  The slower you eat, the more you chew, the less you eat. This leads to improved digestion too.  Set your fork down between bites,sip some water and visit a bit before taking another bite.

7)  Drink Plenty of Water

To avoid dehydration that can feel like hunger, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.  Take regular sips of water throughout the meal also to slow down eating.  Drink a full glass of water before consuming any alcohol and in between each drink to slow down alcohol consumption.

8)  Keep Healthy Snacks at Work…To avoid over indulging on goodies brought in by co workers, keep healthy snacks handy.  Nuts, raisins, fresh fruits, carrot/celery sticks and low sugar protein bars are a good way to go.

9)  Don’t Linger at the Coffee Shop

Know what you want. Order it. Get it and get out.  Don’t give in to the donuts, cookies and other pastries in the case.  They are high calorie and loaded with sugars that add unwelcome pounds.

ENJOY YOURSELF!  Just Plan ahead by eating less, and consume high quality, high fiber foods to stay satisfied while cutting calories.  Remember, our stomachs don’t tell us when we’re hungry, our brains do.  It takes 6 to 8 hours before we experience “tummy hungry”.  This is when our body really is out of fuel and ready for food.  Most of our hunger comes from thinking about, smelling, seeing and being reminded about food.  This sets our mind on food so we are ready to eat. So, follow the tips and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas and new Years!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!

STEVEN DAVISON M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”