We’re coming up on the holidays: shopping, wrapping presents and EATING!! What health conscious, Weight Watchers Point logger doesn’t tremble in fear of the thought of Thanksgiving dinner, holiday work parties or the endless boxes of See’s Candies at work? We’ve all been there, done that. How does one get through the holidays without blowing up like the quintessential Macy’s day float?
The main thing to keep in mind is this: what you do most of the time is what makes the difference not what you do one day here and there. Here are some tips to get you through the holidays:
- Keep up your food journal, weight watchers log, etc.: If you see what you’re eating, the better chance you have at handling the portions. Chances are, since you are used to eating smaller portions, you’ll be happy with one slice of pie rather then three.
- Look up your calories/points ahead of time: Plan ahead what you are going to eat. If you’re going over someone’s house, find out the menu and make choices ahead of time. If you are going to a restaurant, go to their website to find their menu. You’ll have a better chance of keeping the calories down if you plan ahead.
- Budget your calories/points out for the day: If you know you are going to have a heavier meal, eat lighter in other parts of the day to leave more calories/points for your celebration.
- Add some extra exercise that day: Figure out how many extra calories/points you need for that special meal and work out in the morning beforehand. Chances are you can help minimize the damage. Another option is to take a walk post meal to help burn some of the just eaten calories off.
- Take the day off: Yes – this is an option. You could say: I’m not counting points/calories today. You would have to eat 3,500 extra calories just to gain one pound from that meal so chances are the most you have to gain is one pound (and maybe some water weight gain depending on the food.)
The choice is yours. Remember: consistent behavior is what counts in the long run so enjoy the holidays guilt free, keep exercising and be kind to you.