Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Bring on the Holidays!

It has been a while since my last post!  It hasn't been out of my thoughts, but out of my time!!!
I have definitely been back on the exercise path in the last few weeks, eating has been pretty good, but there are many holiday treats that call my name daily!  This is one of those months that exercise may be a little more for negating the calorie intake rather than for weight loss!  Maintenance is a very important thing though so keep at it!
How about a few tips to help you out at holiday parties:
You're at a party and the food and drinks are coming at you in all directions.  Rather than accept everything offered to you, follow these tips to make wise and waist-friendly choices - and still enjoy a few indulgences along the way:
*If you arrive at a party hungry, try to fill your plate initially with fruits and veggies (this will help fill you so you won't be tempted to eat too many truffles or tarts).
*A soup or salad will also help fill you at the beginning of a meal.
*At a cocktail party, don't stand by the appetizer table or you may find yourself eating mindlessly.
*Decide ahead of time what appetizers and desserts you're going to sample, and stick to your plan.
*Try not to eat from the trays at a buffet table, and limit yourself to only one plate!
*Be attentive to what you eat.  Savour the food and enjoy it but don't just keep your hands busy while mingling.
*Monitor your drinking and remember thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
*Alcoholic drinks can be high in calories. Pace yourself with water.
*The body takes about 20 minutes to feel full.  If you're racing through your plate, you're not giving yourself time to feel full.
*Research shows the first bite and the last bite are the most enjoyable; the rest is filler.  You probably don't need as much as you think!
Enjoy, make good choices and have a plan!