Playing the Holiday Food Game by Marjorie Geiser, RD

As the holidays come towards us, minds drift to the fear of weight gain and that fitness plans will fall by the wayside. Some people work hard to lose weight before the holidays, only to regain that weight, and add on MORE weight, once the holidays have passed. How are you going to avoid the dreaded five to 10 pound weight gain we all hear about? You need to plan your strategy just as if you were playing a game! So, sit down, read the recommendations below, and plan your own strategy today, before the holiday games begin!

1 – Have a game plan.

All successful teams and professionals have a plan. Why should controlling your weight at this time of the year be any different? So, as the parties and family events are also in the planning stage, determine how you are going to approach the obstacle course of high fat and high calorie goodies calling out to you?

·Determine how you are going to handle parties and the food provided.

·Plan your events ahead of time. Although there will be surprise invitations, most people know what they will be doing over the holidays. Avoid excessive parties.

·Make a plan for what you will prepare at home when not entertaining or visiting. Just because it’s the holiday season does not mean you have to eat holiday fare all season.

·Determine how you will keep your fitness routine intact.

2 – Prepare for the party game.

Ok, we’ve all heard these recommendations, but how many of you actually try them? If you use them all, great! Check out to see if there are any new ideas here or use them to remind yourself of some you may have forgotten.

·Eat before the event. If you are already full from healthy food, you are less likely to ‘pig out’ on high calorie, empty carbohydrate, high fat snack foods that just add up in our mid-section.

·Wear something tight in the midsection. Tight clothes will help you tend to want to eat less, if for no other reason than it’s uncomfortable!

·Bring your own drinks and munchies. The more you are in control of what your choices are, the less likely you are to grab foods you really don’t want to eat.

·Avoid the alcohol. Many people feel out of place if they don’t have a drink in their hand. Try keeping your glass filled with ice and water! No one will know what you’re drinking unless you tell them or they ask. In the meantime, you will be drinking calorie free.

·Concentrate on conversing more than eating.

·Stand clear of the food tables. The further you are from the food and goodies, the less likely you are to pick up and mindlessly eat them.

·Choose smaller portions. Even if a food or snack looks very good, to avoid feeling deprived, just have a smaller serving.

3 – Plan your party strategy early.

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BIO:

Marjorie Geiser has been teaching health, fitness and nutrition since 1982. She is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and life coach. As the owner of MEG Fitness, Marjorie’s goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. To learn more about the services Margie offers, go to her website at www.megfit.com or email her at Margie@megfit.com.

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