How to Stay on Your Diet During the Holidays

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

For most people, holiday eating means abandoning diets and gaining weight. A little advance planning can help prevent that post-holiday bulge without ruining your holiday feast.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bottled Water
  • Fruits
  • Low-fat Food
  • Vegetables
  • Exercise Equipments

Step1
Reduce or avoid alcohol. This can save you a lot of calories.
Step2
Eat before going to a holiday party. You'll be less likely to fill up on sweets and high-calorie appetizers.
Step3
Keep up your exercise program. It will help you maintain your weight, give you more energy and allow you to deal better with holiday stress.
Step4
Bring fat-free or low-fat dishes to potluck parties. Encourage others to do the same.
Step5
Arrive at mealtime for a dinner party and avoid before-dinner drinks and appetizers.
Step6
Replace sweets with healthy holiday snacks such as fruit baskets and nuts in shells. They look just as festive and are healthier.
Step7
Attend only the parties you really want to go to. You'll save a lot of calories - and time.
Step8
Simplify the meal if you are cooking. Serve raw vegetables with a dip for an appetizer, a low-fat main course with one or two vegetables, and a fruit and low-fat cheese platter for dessert.
Step9
Set realistic goals. At a holiday dinner or party, indulge in some goodies, but eat smaller portions. Have only one glass of wine or Champagne. Take half a slice of pie.
Step10
Avoid skipping meals before a big holiday meal. You don't want to arrive starving and then gorge yourself on sweets and other unhealthy fare.
Step11
Use moderation and relax. If you break down and eat a high-fat dessert, just go easy on what you have the rest of the day or cut back a few calories tomorrow.
Step12
Drink lots of water.

Tips & Warnings

  • Following common sense is your best bet.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with new - and healthier - types of holiday dinners.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 11/16/2007 Soup is the party-goer's magic weapon. Having a bowl of healthy soup before attending any party will fill you up. It really helps avoid the temptation to graze at calorie/fat-laden buffet tables!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Pile your first plate with lots of veggies, salad (but watch the dressing!), whole fruits, and good proteins like white turkey and lean ham. Eating the healthier stuff first will fill you up and make you less tempted by the heavy carbs and fattening desserts.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 I have actually tried all the tips recommended but the only way to stay on your diet-which i have failed to do-is to want to stay on your diet.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 I survived the holidays with my own low carb hot chocolate. I use heavy whipping cream, water and baking choclate. Use 1/4 parts wh. cream, 3/4 parts water. 1/2 tsp choclate. Microwave then sweeten with Nutra Sweet or Stevia to taste.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 I live alone, so when I have my grown kids/families over and fix the expected fattening holiday fare, I have them bring containers to take home all those fattening leftovers. Keep a little turkey breast and veggies and let the rest leave with them.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Stay on Your Diet During the Holidays

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Health

DrJewell
Meet DrJewell eHow’s Health Expert.