Hit the Road Right
The only way to stay in complete control over what and how much you eat is to prepare your meals and snacks yourself. This is especially helpful during the holidays since they often require travel - it's often difficult to find a truly diet-friendly meal on the road, so it pays to plan and pack a healthy meal or two just in case.Read More: Eating Healthy on Road Trips
Bring it On
If you are going to a party that is pot luck, don't hesitate to bring a healthy dish just because you fear it might not be popular; chances are, other guests will enjoy it and may even find it's a diet-friendly dish they want to prepare themselves (Bring the recipe!).Read More: 7 Ways to Eat Smart at Parties
Slow Down and Savor
Holidays are a harried time, so it's hard to get out of "high gear" when you stop, but it's important to take your time. Not only will it help you eat less, but you will also enjoy your food more which can help keep you motivated. Other tricks include putting your fork down between bites, eating with your non-dominant hand, starting an engrossing conversation, and drinking a sip of a diet beverage between every bite.Read More: Prevent Overeating at Parties
Thrill Your Tastebuds
Chips and dip? Yawn! Mom's famous red velvet cake? Yes, please! Don't waste your calories eating things you can eat any old time. If you want to avoid weight gain, you'll need to make sacrifices among what you sort of want and what you really want. Enjoy those special dishes you only get once a year and go back to the same-old, same-old tomorrow.Read More: Calories in Desserts
Easy on the Alcohol
Alcohol is often a staple at holiday meals and parties, but if you imbibe too much, you could find your healthy eating will-power goes out the window. Not only are adult beverages high in calories, they can also induce you to overeat. Have one glass, drink only with your meal, or alternate glasses with a glass of water each.Read More: Drinks Quick Guide
Be Kind to Yourself
Don't be obsessed over what you eat and drink every second. Be realistic. You're probably not going to lose any weight during the holidays; very few of us can. No one has put an expiration date on your dieting efforts. Don't let that looming date of January 1st put you on edge. It's just a day, like any other, and any time is great time to lose weight and get healthier. Do what you can, get over the small slip-ups, and move on.Read More: How to Set Realistic Goals
Get your new year's weight loss efforts off to a great start by signing up for our free Weight Loss 101 e-Course.
