Will you be gaining weight this holiday season?

Tips to avoid overeating during holidays and feeling stuffed!

I know it can be SO hard to resist delicious foods. Overeating during the holidays can be a challenge if not overwhelming.

Why do we tend to overeat?

It is easy to have a regretful food hangover (sometimes literally over the waistline) or justify overeating with the promise to diet on yet another “Monday”. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, can all be a time of celebrating and gaining unwanted weight. It is a very social activity to partake in delicious food and treats during these happy occasions with friends and family. We get an increase in dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins boosting our mood only to leave massive regret the next day.

Better food choices to eat in moderation to raise the happy hormones include:

1. Fruit
2. Dark Chocolate
3. Spinach
4. Asparagus
5. Seeds and nuts

The stress of family situations, old trauma, and social anxiety can also push us to self-soothe with food for comfort. Having a plan is a MUST to avoid drowning our feelings with food. Giving yourself a free pass just because it is a special occasion will only leave you feeling negative as the calories can add up incredibly fast.

New tips that may help you tactfully navigate any party or to avoid overeating during holidays:

• Wear snug or form-fitting clothes to help indicate when you are physically full.
• Share your health goals or accomplishments to inspire yourself to keep on track.
• Drink 8-12 ounces of water before arriving at a party, half your body weight in ounces daily.
• Keep a low-calorie refreshment in hand and the other in your pocket to avoid sampling.
• Chew gum to be more mindful of what you eat (it also burns a few calories).
• Eat a light meal with 20-30 grams of protein before the get-together to curb impulses.
• Focus on socializing instead of food.
• Bring a healthy snack or dessert as an option that others may appreciate as well.
• If you do desire a snack, choose nuts and vegetables to increase fiber (fulfilling) and protein (satiated).
• Be mindful of sugars and calories in alcoholic or sugary beverages.

Read here for 10 MORE tips and kind ways to decline offers to try every dessert you are offered without offending your host.

I hope these tips for overeating on holidays are helpful and you have a wonderful season with those you love. If you would like to make this year your jump start to a better quality of health,

Which tip will you try?

Figure out your protein needs or help with losing weight from home.

Copyright Scientific Nutrition, LLC 2020

#holidays #nutrition #weightloss #goals #executivesandmanagement