‘Tis the Season to Indulge: Quick Tips to Avoid Over-doing it This Season

If you’re not at a holiday party right now reading this on your smart phone, you’ve probably got one (or five) scheduled in the next few days.  It’s that time of year.  The time when the social calendar busts at the seams and for some, after a month of indulging – so will the pants.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to go all Scrooge on you and suggest you forgo the holiday treats and cups of good cheer.  Instead, I thought I’d put together a few quick tips to avoid over doing it during this season’s festivities so you can hopefully enjoy yourself and still feel comfortable in your favorite jeans. 

1. Eat with your non-dominant hand  
An interesting study out of USC showed that people in situations which typically involved mindless eating ate less when using their non-dominant hand.

2. Use a smaller plate
Visual cues such as the size of the plate used have been shown in research to have a direct influence how much we actually consume.

3. Earn your drinks
If you enjoy sipping some holiday cheer, adopt a policy of earning your next adult beverage by downing a glass of water between each drink.  This will not only cut down on your total consumption but keep you hydrated so you feel better the next morning.

4. Slow your roll
This one takes a little more thought, but simply slowing down will give your body a chance to react to what you’re eating and allow the signals for fullness and satiety to kick in.  Try putting down your fork in between bites or just making a point to take a breath and join in the conversation.   You’ll be amazed at how your body will let you know you’re filling up if you give it a chance and hey – you might even enjoy yourself more too.

5. Give away leftovers
Hosting a holiday party or big dinner but don’t want to have tons of leftovers tempting you day after day?  Ask everyone to take some home with them.  If there’s still leftovers you don’t want to have around, it’s OK to trash them.  No one wants to be wasteful, but it’s better than eating out of a sense of obligation to simply finish something.

6. Listen for your hunger
Hunger is an excellent guide.  Give yourself time to feel that rumble in your tummy between meals.   It’s a great way to naturally control your intake based on your own individual needs.

Give these a try and see what works for you.  Have a tip of your own that works well?  Share it in the comments below so we can all benefit. 

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Allan Keller is a Westchase area fitness coach and owner of Direct Effect Fitness.  Allan can be reached at 813-333-9922 or allan@DirectEffectFitness.com. Have a question about fitness or nutrition?  Post a comment or send an email and you may see your topic featured in his next blog.