The holiday season is upon us, which means spending time with relatives, giving gifts and, of course, maneuvering through a host of holiday parties. The holidays are an exciting time of year with many opportunities to dress up and mingle with friends. However, the holiday festivities also include countless opportunities to overindulge in your favorite — and perhaps less nutritious — foods. Fortunately, Mexicali Bariatric Center, a premier Mexicali weight loss surgery provider, offers the following tips to help you avoid overindulging at holiday parties.
Stay Away From Fad Diets. Most people want to look great in their holiday party outfits. However, following the latest fad diet is not the way to accomplish this. Fad diets typically involve eating too few calories each day or avoiding a specific food group. Although this may seem like a good idea at first, following a fad diet often leaves you with an unsatisfied feeling, which can eventually lead to overindulging in unhealthy foods when you are hungry. Instead of following the latest fad diet, eat well-balanced meals and stay active.
Have a Healthy Snack Before a Party. Don’t go to a holiday party hungry! If you are extremely hungry, it will be easier to overeat when you finally get to the appetizer or dining table. Try eating a few almonds before you go to a party. Almonds are a good source of protein, fiber and vitamin E. They also contain more calcium than other types of nuts. Eating a few nuts before the party will make it easier to exercise willpower once you arrive.
Eat Living Foods. The good thing about holiday parties is that they often offer a large variety of foods, making it easier to find healthy choices among the cheesy, fried appetizers and meals. Sticking to colorful, crunchy living foods is a great way to ensure you are getting needed nutrients. As an added bonus, most fruits and vegetable contain a significant amount of water, helping you stay hydrated and feel full.
Drink Water. Lastly, be sure to drink plenty of water. Try to switch out every other alcoholic drink with a glass of water instead. There are many good reasons to do this. For instance, the more water you drink, the less alcohol you will consume, helping you avoid a hangover the next day. Also, keeping your stomach full with water allows you to eat less and still feel satisfied.
The holiday season is a great time of year, so enjoy it. Enjoy the company of family, friends and colleagues. Enjoy the holiday decorations and traditions. Just be sure to avoid overindulging during the holidays, so your clothes still fit comfortably when the New Year rolls around.