Lose Weight DURING the Holiday Season: Part I

Photo by Luigi Diamanti

This is my favorite time of year! Everything is wonderful from the good holiday cheer to the music. However, the food and holiday parties are a real killer. I've been following this regimen for two holiday seasons and I've lost at least 10lbs during the holiday season. I'm not supper skinny--I'm a healthy Cubana but I desire to have a very very thin frame sort of like Zoe Saldana, Liu Wen, and Kourtney Kardashian and nothing is going to stop me--not even the holidays! .-_-  Stay tuned for Part II coming soon!

Rule 1: No sweets unless you're at a holiday party
The last thing you want is to be annoying and refuse to eat sweets at a party because you're watching your figure. Instead, just do not have sweets at home, or out and about at a coffee shop, or at a restaurant, or on a date. This includes sweet drinks and sodas. 

Rule 2: Flatten your plate using the smallest plate
No piling on food. Make sure no food is on top of anything. Spread everything out including rice, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. If there are no small plates around use what is available. If you are using a large plate, there is usually a border and the middle is depressed. Place food in the middle and leave the border free of food.

Rule 3: Never refuse the host's food but you don't have to finish it
Even if you're full it is rude to refuse to try a dish someone asks you (especially the host) to try. This is why Rule 1 is so important because we want to have fun, be polite, AND lose weight. However, you don't have to eat the whole thing. Only have one bite and chew chew chew.

Rule 4: Chew until you cannot texturally distinguish what's in your mouth
Not only will this help with digesting easier but it will satisfy your taste buds.

Rule 5: Practice awareness and self-control
Mindless eating will lead to packing on the weight. Instead of eating right away, hold the plate of food in your hand for a while. Socialize, drink water, laugh, etc. Being engaged in the conversation will be a great distraction. It will also help you to pay attention to the fact that you've had 2 brownies and shouldn't have another one.

Rule 6: Take three deep breaths after every third bite
This is linked to the previous rule. If you're paying attention, you'll know that it's your third bite. When you are full you naturally take a deep breath. However, even if you're not full, making a conscience effort by taking a deep breath will trick the body into thinking you are full. This REALLY works!

Rule 7: Never go to a holiday party starving
Having a little soup or salad before going to a holiday party will help you to get full quicker and you won't be tempted to eat everything in sight.

Photo by zirconicusso

Please note: Exercise is always a good option but for busy parents and busy individuals who are decorating the house, grocery shopping, and the like, exercise isn't really a primary focus during the holidays. One's eating habits tend to be more important than exercise when it comes to weight gain.  

This is not a substitute for a regimen already prescribed by your doctor. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist before engaging in any dietary regimen to ensure it is suitable to your needs.