Although I definitely indulge more than normal during the holidays, I still reallllly try to watch what I’m eating (big emphasize on try!). It’s such a tempting time — sugar, carbs, and endless amounts of it all. Here’s a couple tips I go by during the holiday eating chaos, from making my own dishes to when I’m out at another’s house enjoying a good time there.
Keep appetizers light - light in amount and light in well, food-wise. Instead of going with your 5 choices, stick to just 2. Instead of that Ranch with your veggie tray go with hummus, and swap out those greasy items with shrimp cocktail
Bring on the fruit and vegetables! Incorporate more of each in your meals - you’d be amazed at what you can supplement with a vegetable option. Add a nice spaghetti squash option for those that don’t want to feel the heaviness of some other dishes
Swap some ingredients with the ‘better’ option and nobody will even notice. Chicken stock, low-fat yogurt, coconut oil….these lower fat items work just as well and frankly taste just the same in all their dishes
Beware of the drinks - yes eggnog is the drink of the holidays BUT that right there could be a meal. Choose a spritzer if you’re craving that little buzz, but try to avoid the “drinking munchies” from limiting your alcohol intake
Watch the desserts - this is tricky for me. I would never say don’t have the pie, but instead of that big cool whip topping maybe you go for the low-fat whip (and just a dab); perhaps you offer some chocolate dipped strawberries or even sweet potato pie
Don’t entirely fight the urges! If you are craving the second piece of ham - get some to eat. If that Christmas cookie just looks too good to pass up - eat it! From my experience, the more you try to control super intense feelings of wanting something savory, the worst it will be later when you cave and go crazy. The cookie now is better then the 4 later in the evening when you have lost all will power. Now this doesn’t mean you should have no control…..but just don’t punish yourself too badly :)
Hope some of these tips help out some during this week of delicious eating! Bon appetit!