10 Tricks For Cutting Calories During The Holidays
Most people think the idea of weight loss during the holidays is a joke. But if you use these ten tricks, you can laugh your way to the scale.
1. Eat half as much each time you fill your plate. Whether you're at home or at a party, dish yourself half as much of each food as you normally would. A half hour after your meal, you can eat another small meal if you're still hungry.
2. Eat salad and veggies first. At a dinner party or an appetizer buffet, you will almost always find fruit or veggies as an option. Start by eating these before you even dish other side dishes or entrees.
3. Drink water. You can save a lot of calories by skipping the eggnog, cider or alcoholic drinks. Remember that drinks have calories, too. If you really love that holiday drink, make sure to quench your thirst first with a tall glass of water- then you'll naturally drink less of the calorie laden drink.
4. Learn the phrase "I wouldn't care for any," or a similar phrase. This is what my Grandma used to say when she was offered desserts or sweets. It never occurred to me as a child that she was showing restraint; I just assumed she didn't like pie or cake. Of course, when she really wanted a treat, she took one. This simple phrase is a classy way to get in the habit of saying no. After all, not every single sweet that will be offered to you this holiday season will be worth the calories. "I wouldn't care for any, thank you," is a pleasant way to turn something down without explaining that you're watching your calories. After all, no one wants to hear about calories at this time of the year.
5. Know the calorie cost. Whenever possible, find out how many calories are in the food you're considering eating. Don't waste calories on foods that really aren't worth it. (A quick an easy way to check the calories on any food is to "google it." Just type in "calories in cheesecake," and the answer will appear immediately before your eyes.
6. Get enough sleep. This is a tough one during Christmas time and during the holidays. There is so much to do, and so little time. Sleep is worth it, though. Well-rested people crave sweets less and tend to eat fewer calories naturally.
7. Measure yourself regularly. The idea that "what you don't know won't kill you" is a myth. Actually, staying aware of your weight and waist size during the holidays can help you to make smarter decisions at the next party. It helps you to realize that your actions are directly related to your results.
8. Bring a healthy food. When you're asked to bring something to share, bring something that fits with your healthy meal plan. That way you'll know that at least one food at the party is a good choice for you. My favorite healthy food to bring? Blue cheese and walnut stuffed mushrooms. This recipe is found in the members only healthy recipe section of MyFitnessTrainer.com. I'll post it below for your reference.
9. Chew gum. Sugar free gum is a great way to keep your mouth busy while you're making sugar cookies for the party.
10. Use a smaller plate and a smaller fork. This is an oldie but goody, but it works.
These tips will make it easy to keep the weight off during the holidays, and you may even lose a couple of pounds. If this seems like a lot to do, try focusing on one tip per day. You'll be pleased with the results.
And here's that Blue Cheese And Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe:
Blue cheese walnut stuffed mushr Blue cheese and walnut stuffed mushrooms 30 large mushrooms 1 tablespoon Smart Balance spread ¼ c finely chopped onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or dry flakes) ¼ teaspoon salt ½ c skim milk A dash of Tabasco ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¼ c (1 ounce) crumbled blue cheese 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons dry unseasoned bread crumbs
Remove the stems from the mushrooms, and process them in the food processor. Add all other ingredients (except the mushroom tops,) and run the food processor. Scoop the mixture into the mushroom caps, leaving a rounded overflow. Line a cookie sheet with tinfoil and put the mushrooms on it. Bake them in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they look melty and delicious. Serve hot. These are usually the biggest hit at my parties. One note: I do sometimes use more onion and garlic than listed, because I like them strong. This would not add significant calories to the dish, so feel free to do the same.
