by Linda Hom


How
was your Thanksgiving? I spent mine with 12 of my closest friends and
family and loved every minute of it. The holiday seasons are here and if
you are
anything like me, eating healthy and staying on track is especially
challenging.
How are you doing with your cravings? Have you started going to holiday
gatherings and engaging in mindless picking and eating? Are you already
wondering how many holiday pounds you've put on? Most people
eat mindlessly and wait until January to go on the "New Year's Resolution
Diet".
Studies have shown that the extra five pounds that you put on during the
holiday
season stays with you indefinitely.
Below my secret list of how
you can prevent gaining that extra
holiday weight.
Reduce your sugar intake:
You know how I feel about sugar. Too much sugar not only ruins your
health,
but it makes you fat. Take a good look at food labels and be mindful of all
the holiday cookies you eat.
Don't go to the party hungry:
I know this sounds crazy but before you head out
to a holiday event, eat a healthy
snack even if you are going to a dinner
party. When you're not famished, you
will
most likely choose healthier foods to eat.
Drink seltzer water before you drink alcohol:
When you drink on an empty stomach, it triggers your
hunger. Try drinking seltzer
water
before you drink your alcoholic beverage to curb your hunger. Keep in mind
that alcohol is also loaded with
sugar.
Drink lots of water:
Too much alcohol, sugar, and meat can throw your body
off.
Drink plenty of water, this will help your body naturally detox.
Choose your food wisely:
Be a conscious
eater. Most of us eat "just because" (just because it's there,
just because I like it, just because I deserve it). Before you put
anything in
your
mouth, ask "is this food going to love me
back?"