Add Hydrating Fresh Foods to Your Holiday Meal Plan

Somewhere between the turkey and ham, the cranberry sauce, the cornbread stuffing, the gravy and biscuits, and of course the holiday cake or pie, you are apt to double or triple your daily intake of calories during a typical holiday gathering. During the holidays, people often make drastic statements about their plans for losing weight... next year. However, many dietitians say pump the brakes and take small steps instead. In fact, taking small steps during the holidays will likely put you on the fast track for successful weight loss. Just because it is the holidays, you don't have a license to overeat. Researchers at Cornell University fed one study group smaller portions of chocolate, apple pie and potato chips and discovered they felt equally satisfied with their indulgences.

• EAT WATER-RICH FOODS - Instead of trying to drink the recommended amount of water right before you walk out the door, opt for a water-rich fresh salad as a starter to boost your hydration. Water helps your digestive system move food through faster.
• ADD AN EXTRA EXERCISE - You can keep the inevitable indulgences in check by staying active and exercising during the winter holidays. If you can, enjoy some winter sports like snowboarding or ice skating for a seasonal change of pace. Moreover, a quick walk of gym workout before you head out socializing, can temper your appetite.
• STAY ACTIVE - Results of a recent study suggests that at a big sit down dinner it is best to be the last one to start eating and the second person to stop. This keeps your meal from lasting too long and helps temper decisions regarding second helpings of calorie-rich foods.
• GET PLENTY OF REST - As closely as possible, stick to your normal sleep routine during the busy holiday season. Staying consistent will reinforce your sleep-wake cycle and encourage a more relaxing night's sleep even though you might have stayed up late.
• AVOID LIQUID CALORIES - Before leaving for a holiday party, decide what you plan to drink along with what you intend to eat. Water is the perfect holiday beverage. If you decide to drink alcohol, have a glass of water between drinks.
• BE A FUSSY EATER - During the holidays, you should eat mostly whole, single-ingredient foods while avoiding foods that are highly processed. If you base your non-celebratory meals during the week on consuming lean protein and low-carb vegetables, a taste of holiday treats won't endanger your dietary plans.
• USE YOUR WILLPOWER - You will be much less likely to spot a holiday treat that you simply can't resist if you socialize away from the food table. When attending a holiday party or dinner, never stand around or settle into a sofa next to a table filled with temptation.

Holiday treats and festive foods can be almost impossible to resist. However, with the right strategy, you can put a holiday eating plan in place that will make it easier to stay on track and prevent holiday weight gain. Nonetheless, all of the weight loss techniques in world will not work unless you adopt healthy strategies and commit to a specific plan for the winter holiday season. Remember, it is not just a couple of days. The winter holidays are a six-week season of unique and unusual temptations. To avoid feeling completely drained when you ring in the New Year, you must empower yourself to manage what you eat, how you indulge in alcohol, what counter measures you employ to manage seasonal stress as well as what, when and how much you choose to eat.

A strategic eating plan for the winter holidays helps to ensure you eat healthy and that the holiday foods you consume are nourishing, hydrating and satiating. For tempting holiday treats, visit our vast collection of weight-friendly recipes at Metabolic Research Center online.