How can it possibly be that the average weight gain through the holidays is approximately seven to ten pounds?
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| Fromage my fave! |
It isn’t simply because of the extra parties we attend from November 19 through January 2. Yes, this is six plus weeks of eggnog and pecan pie, baked Brie and pigs in a blanket, buttered mashed potatoes and giblet gravy, pumpkin pie and champagne, fondue and warm bread. But, it isn’t those extra calories alone that make the “diet industry” welcome our New Years resolutions!
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| I could do without, but how about you? Calories are in the eye of the beholder. |
You see, we start eating a few more high-density calories and our bodies begin to get used to them. “I’m being really good during the week, so how could I have gained three pounds since Friday?” Because, you are eating a bit more on those non-party days but, because of the overload on party days, you think you are barely eating at all on non-party days. All it takes is a few more mindless bites of this or that and you are on your way to a permanent seven-pound load on January 1.
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| "Oh what the heck, they love us anyway..." (UH NO!) |
So, rather than throw caution to the wind, how about making the commitment to stop eating party style while not at a party. It is rather simple to cut your portions down by 20%, and then add 20% more vegetables to your plate or recipe. Your eyes will see the same amount of food and studies have shown that when trying to lose weight, our bodies are more satisfied with volume, whether it is from lean and healthy veggies or French fries. (There are about 450 calories in a 5-ounce portion of fries while there are only about 30 calories in a 5-ounce serving of most non-starchy veggies.)
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| Fresh fruit smoothie. Do it! |
So, let’s set some ground rules for the holidays, shall we?
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| Whole wheat veggie and goat cheese pizza. Yum! |
- · Load up on the veggies and cut back on the high-density foods like cheese, butter, meat, baked goods and even healthy nuts and nut butters!
- · Get rid of those high-density foods and give your guests “doggie-bags” to take home when you are entertaining.
- · For every cocktail consumed at a party commit to drinking a full glass of water.
- · Stay away from the appetizer table and sit in a comfy area so you are less apt to get up for MORE.
- · Eat a high fiber mini meal before the party (avocado on whole grain bread with tomato and lettuce or beans on a tortilla with salsa and lettuce) so you are satisfied and not STARVED!
- · Do not confuse exercise with calories consumed (“since I worked out, I can eat what I want”) but move with a bit more intensity and as often as possible. Every little bit makes a difference.
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| Move it girl! (Oh, and have fun!) |
It is always the small and do-able shifts in our lifestyle that makes for a comfortable holiday body. Bodeci says, “During the holidays, enjoy what you really want in moderation! Then leave it alone and walk away.”
