Things You'll Need:
- Patience
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Step 1
Mindful eating - Do you really need another cookie, or piece of pie? Are you even hungry? Try finding something else to do to keep your mind busy. The busier you are the less time you have to think about food. If you are going to eat...only eat, don't watch TV, or play cards. You won't be paying attention to what goes in your mouth.
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Step 2
Sneak in a healthier substitute - Try adding egg substitute in place of eggs. You can also cut out some of the fats such as oil and butters in sauces. Or substitute the oil in bread, add only 1/2 of the oil/butter and add applesauce or mashed ripe bananas for the other half. (I.e., replace 1C oil with 1/2C oil and 1/2C applesauce.) This will give your breads a unique and tasty variation. For bread you can also up the fiber by substituting half of the flour for wheat flour. Also consider adding fruits and nuts instead of candy and chocolate chips to cookies and breads.
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Step 3
Holiday Parties and Carry-ins - These are the hardest eating situations to control. There is no way to know which of the foods is full of hidden calories and fats. It is hard not to want to try everything, but try asmall sample of things rather then heaping servings. Try to bring a dish you know you will be able to eat, either by substituting the ingredients (see step 2) or bringing a vegetable tray. When everyone is sitting around snacking, choose vegetables over or desserts. It also helps if you can get one or two other people to make the same healthier choices, it will give you a wider selection of "safe" foods at the buffet. Also if you are going to go to a party at night try having a healthier breakfast and lunch.
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Step 4
Squeeze in a little exercise - You will feel better about those extra sweets of you know you exercised this morning. When you're done shopping at the mall, stick around and do a little power walking. Even 20 minutes of exercise will make you feel better inside and out. Plus you will feel less guilty about those parties, and hopefully continue the new attitude into the new year.
