Don't Make it Harder
Dealing with people's opinions and advice about your weight-loss efforts -- what diet you should follow, what worked for them, what you should and shouldn't be eating -- can sometimes be difficult and can lead to emotional eating or even a binge. Decide ahead of time whether or not you're going to tell friends and family you're dieting before going to get-togethers. Sometimes it's just better to keep it to yourself. The only thing worse than a "food pusher" who tries to make you eat things you don't want to is a "food cop" who makes you feel guilty about the things you do!Don't Overcomplicate Things
It's easier than you think to eat smart during the holidays. Turkey is a great lean protein choice to enjoy often. Just be sure to choose white meat and skip the skin. If you are cooking, use ingredient substitutions to cut calories. For example, preparing mashed potatoes with skim milk and non-fat sour cream instead of whole milk and butter can save you hundreds of calories. Tired of hearing about all the yummy holiday foods you shouldn't eat? Enjoy this tasty fact: Perennial favorite pumpkin pie has about 200 calories less and almost half the fat of pecan pie.Don't Party Hungry
How you eat before a party or get-together is just as important as how you eat at the event. Eating often enough and choosing complex carbohydrates throughout the day will keep your blood sugar from plumetting too low (If it does, it leads to hunger and fatigue -- that's a direct path to overeating!). Eat a healthy snack before leaving home, such as an apple with a little peanut butter, to help prevent cravings.Don't Part with Portion Control
No one wants to measure exact portions with spoons or cups at a party, but you should still keep in mind how much you're eating. If you want something you know isn't diet-friendly, dish up a serving and then take it away from the buffet so you won't reach for more. Try to leave half of your helping on your plate if you "eyeball" an oversized portion once you walk away. A good rule of thumb for plate portioning is to make around two-thirds of your plate healthy foods, allowing about one-third of it for treats.Don't Rush It
The holidays are a hurried time, but when you are at a celebration, it's important to change your pace. Slow down, savor the flavors and enjoy your food; you’ll notice when you’re getting full if you eat more mindfully. Throw away your plate when you start feeling full and focus on enjoying the rest of the time with your loved ones -- after all, all that's what the holidays are about: You might remember a tasty dessert a few days from now, but you'll cherish the laughter and memorable moments with your friends and family for many years to come.
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