Friday, December 26, 2008

Top 10 Holiday Eating Tips That Will Help You Burn Calories

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Much like the Christmas tree and the jingle bells, holiday parties are as much a part of this time of year as Santa Claus and reindeer. Although many people use this as an excuse to over indulge themselves, it doesn't have to be that way for you. Get ready, because you're about to discover the 10 best ways to eat during this holiday and actually loose weight.

10) If you are planning on eating a few foods that may not be on the health menu at your local fitness club, you may think about drinking a glass of water before you eat. Being properly hydrated will immediately cut your appetite in half and boost your energy levels.

9) Rather than starve yourself all day long to save room for every holiday treat you know you shouldn't have, why not chow down on a couple of pieces of fruit first before arriving at the party. This way you are not as hungry and you've also eaten healthy for the day so you don't have to feel guilty after the holiday gathering.

8) Watch you portions, a healthy amount is about the size of your fist. For the holidays, trim that to a slightly smaller portion.

7) Never miss a meal. I realize this may sound strange but it is so true. Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by skipping lunch or breakfast because they feel they are saving room for the big dinner party that night. This is so far from the truth it is not even funny. Keep your daily routine and consider a doggie bag if you are too full by party time.

6) Change the recipe. Rather than giving up the foods you love, why not make the foods you love healthy. Did you know that by shifting one ingredient for a healthier one, you can take a formally unhealthy dish and turn it into a healthy alternative?

5) Get active. Don't see this time of year as a time to rest, relax and take it easy. No, you should take the opportunity you have with your family to get in some good physical activity. Let me ask you, when is the last time you took your kids ice skating or sledding? If it doesn't snow where you are, why not take the kids to the park or on a paddle boat ride.

4) Keep up the good work. If you are like most people, you will use the free time you have during this time of year to rest and cut back when in reality that is the worst thing you could do. Don't be guilty of abandoning your workout routine for a life of leisure.

3) Create a plan of attack. Going to a holiday dinner or party without a plan is like going into battle without a strategy. Before you arrive, think about the types of foods that you like and decide ahead of time what one delicacy you'll delight yourself with. This way you will not feel bad about eating what you like but you will know exactly when you've gone too far.

2) Add some weight training to your work out. Knowing that you will be consuming more calories this time of year why not add some weight training to the mix. Lean tissue burns more calories than fat.

1) Take a chill pill. This can be one of the most stressful times of year and if you are not careful, you can get so caught up in helping everyone else that you really forget to take care of yourself. Relax and have peace knowing that everything will get done just not by you.

Well, now you know how to maintain your weight even while attending holiday parties. Maybe you won't do all of these tips but how much better would you feel about yourself if you could do just 3 or 4 of the ten? - 15255

About the Author: