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- "Fix" Recipes
You don't have to give up traditional favorites -- just "fix" them. For instance, turkey stuffing can be made low fat by sautéing onions & celery in broth rather than butter. A simple way to cut calories in gelatin molds is to use sugar-free gelatin. Take a look at your recipes to see if you can eliminate or decrease some ingredients or use lower calorie substitutions.
- Manage Time
Shop for holiday items weeks or months ahead of time. Prepare items ahead of time & don't wait until the last moment. Write down a schedule of must do's and when!
- Ask for Help
Remember that you don't have to do everything yourself. Get your family & friends involved with the cleaning, shopping, & cooking. For example, your spouse can go to the grocery store (with a very specific list!), the kids can clean assigned areas of the house, & other family members & friends can bring some of the food.
- Leaving the Leftovers
Too often leftover food goes into your mouth rather than the storage container, even if you're already stuffed. Asking others to help clean up can decrease your chances of nibbling on leftovers. Give leftovers away, make packages for your guests to take with them, & take food to work.
- All About Eating?
Holidays are intended as social interactions with friends & families, not overeating frenzies. Concentrate on the social interaction. Plan group activities that everyone can participate in. If possible, include group walks or sports activities so you can burn calories while having fun. By enjoying the moment with others, you can have fun at events without depending on the food to capture the moment.
- Food Control
On the day of the event, there are several ways you can control your eating, such as:
- Eat salad to fill you up beforehand so you don't overeat.
- As soon as you get to the function, look over the food & pick out a few "healthy" foods to eat and skip
all the others. By allowing yourself selected foods, you can enjoy yourself without feeling deprived or guilty.
Distance yourself from all other foods so you aren't tempted to eat them.
- To be on the safe side, you might want to cut back your caloric intake for a few days.
- Eat salad to fill you up beforehand so you don't overeat.
From the Transformations Family to you, Have a Great Holiday Season!!
