Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

Are you looking forward to the holidays, but concerned about possible weight gain? Here are a few tips that can help you avoid (or at least control) packing on the extra pounds.

• Don't keep the serving dish at the table. If you have to physically get out of your chair to get more of something, it cuts down on mindless eating. It forces you to think about whether or not you're still hungry.
• Speaking of which, do not arrive to the gathering hungry. You're less likely to load up on food (and thus calories) if you aren't famished to begin with. Have something small but satisfying before you arrive or before you eat.
• Watch your alcohol consumption. It's mostly empty calories, especially when you consider the mixers used in cocktails. Also, since alcohol is a depressant which slows your body down, you won't burn as many calories or as much fat as you would otherwise.
• This might sound silly, but 'trick' yourself into eating less by using a smaller plate. A lot of us are trained to 'clean our plates', which can lead to overeating. If your plate is smaller and thus 'cleaned' more easily, you'll think you're 'through' earlier.
• If you're going to an office party or potluck, bring something that is lower in calories but that you know you'll enjoy. This is especially true of desserts, especially since a lot of people just grab something when they're running out the door and don't really think much about it.
• Just like at other times of the year, multitask. Even if you're just watching TV, find something to do like dishes or cleaning up. I say this because you're less likely to mindlessly shovel in snacks while you're watching if you've got something else that requires your attention. If you're at the table or at a party with other people, distract yourself from your food with conversation. If you're busy with something else, you won't feel the need to keep yourself busy with food.
• Continuing the tip above, look at holiday gatherings as the social events that they are. Focus on the people around you rather than the food, and don't hang out around the dip. That way, you're less likely to mindlessly nibble.
• Don't completely cut out your favorite high-calorie foods, but eat them in moderation. Just like any other time of the year, completely cutting off certain foods when you're likely to crave them can cause you to binge. Eating in moderation helps control the cravings. If you want a slice of cake, have one, but make it smaller so it will satisfy your craving without going overboard.
• Slow yourself down. This way, you'll be in more control over how much or what you eat and your body will have time to tell you when it's 'full' before you find yourself overeating. This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised.

Now you have a few tips on avoiding gaining weight during the holidays. What are some of yours?