With the upcoming holidays just around the corner, it is vital for new moms out there to be familiar with ways on how to eat light and smart for the holidays.
The holidays can be a tricky season if you want to stick with healthy eating. Most have to attend several holiday parties that serve a variety of delectable dishes. Due to this, most are scared of gaining weight during the holiday season. Remember that you are not alone. Based on studies, it revealed that adults are likely to gain weight between mid-November and mid-January even among mothers who actively try to lose or maintain their weight especially after giving birth.
A guide on how to eat light and smart for the holidays
Many adopt an all-or-nothing mindset during the holiday season. Most tell themselves that they will return to healthy eating once the New Year passes. Sadly, some mothers spend the holidays dreading food by refusing every offer of salad or dessert.
The good news is that you do not have to fit into either category. Remember that it is possible to stick with a healthy eating regimen while still appreciating the food and festivities that make the holidays fun. Let us now take a close look at some of the ways on how to eat light and smart of the holidays for moms out there.
Bring a dish to the party
One way to share your healthy habits with family and friends is to prepare a nutritious dish that you can introduce to them. Today, you can find a variety of healthy holiday recipes online that you can prepare.
Observe mindful eating
If you are going to eat in a distracted state, it has a significant impact on your weight and overall health. This does not necessarily mean that you are going to eat alone and in silence all the time but must make it a point to pay attention to your food.
When it comes to mindful eating during the holidays, try to appreciate the tastes, scents, and textures while eating as well as the environment you are in as well as the people you are with. Take note that mindfulness will help lessen the food you eat.
Avoid kitchen counters and office break rooms
There are two hotspots where you can easily snatch holiday treats – kitchen counters and office break rooms. You can easily grab a handful of any snack that is available while walking by, but you must resist the urge. Remember that you can enjoy food more if you sit down to eat a meal instead of munching on mouthfuls while on the go.
Avoid skimping on sleep
Have you noticed that you end up craving for salty or sugary foods if you are tired? Take note that this is not just in your head. If you lack sleep, it can significantly affect your appetite. Based on studies, poor sleep is linked with augmented intake of food along with a higher risk of gaining weight. With this in mind, it is vital to get enough sleep at night regularly.
Monitor your stress levels
During the holidays, most of the usual tasks and responsibilities by many moms out there are worsened by extra cooking, holiday shopping, caring for the children who are out of school, attending events and hosting guests.
With the increased workload, there will come a time when it is too much to handle. It is recommended to carve out some time for yourself and find ways to destress. When one is stressed out, it is linked to overeating, particularly hyper-palatable foods that are usually packed with fat and sugar.
Packing on the protein and fiber
Out of all the macronutrients, protein is considered as the most satiating. Based on studies, it indicates that consuming large amounts of protein can lessen your appetite and aid in both the promotion of weight loss and weight maintenance. This is one of the ways on how to eat light and smart of the holidays. Do not feel bad about getting another serving of turkey.
The fiber in your diet can help in maintaining regular digestive function. Just like with protein, it can help keep you full. Foods that are rich in fiber provide fewer calories with more volume. It simply means that you can be satisfied with fewer calories.
Avoid going on grocery shopping if hungry
It is not advisable to go on grocery shopping if you are hungry. This might urge you to swipe anything off the shelves as you walk by. Take note that this can be risky during the holiday season when the aisles are filled with cakes, cookies, candies, and other treats.
You must get a meal or snack before going out for groceries. This will help prevent your cart from being filled with sweet treats and can help save money and calories.
Avoid cooking if hungry
Once you are hungry, a couple of taste tests can easily progress into an entire meal. You must fight the urge to prematurely eat the meal you are cooking by eating a snack before prepping in the kitchen. Additionally, it is best if the dish you are preparing contains protein, fiber or healthy fats that can keep you full longer.
Limit the intake of liquid calories
During the holidays, it might seem that every weekend has been scheduled with get-togethers, starting from work parties to family functions. Remember that all these events typically involve alcoholic beverages.
Although one or two drinks will not disrupt your diet, try preparing simple beverages of liquor, a low-calorie mixer with citrus or berries.
Proper hydration
Oftentimes, the body transmits hunger signals to your brain when it is just thirsty. There is no set amount on the required water intake, but the recommended approach is to drink at least 8 ounces of water every 1-2 hours, and more if you exercise.
Keeping the body properly hydrated can divert any hunger cues as well as prevent the urge to eat something you do not really want or need.
Moderation
Even for mothers who are on a diet, you must allow yourself room for indulgence now and then. You should not feel guilty about enjoying the foods that you love while spending time with your family. Take note that limiting yourself from certain foods can make you want them even more, eventually leading to overeating.
Choose smaller dishes
One way on how to eat light and smart of the holidays is to trick yourself into eating less by utilizing smaller bowls and plates. Most of us tend to fill up the plate regardless of the size, thus you end up filling a big plate with more food than you need.
This technique also works if you love to go for a second serving. If your first plate or bowl is small, going back for a second serving will not necessarily disrupt your healthy regimen.
Planning ahead
If you want to stick with your healthy routine during the holidays, you must plan ahead. In case you are going to a sit-down dinner at a restaurant, check the menu beforehand. This gives you a chance to check on the ingredients and nutritional facts, rather than selecting a meal while under pressure.
Final thoughts
Whether it is holidays or a usual weeknight, it is vital for new moms out there to be familiar with ways on how to eat light and smart of the holidays. This will ensure that you maintain your healthy regimen while still enjoying the holiday festivities.
Read also:
- [The Top 5 Best Low Sugar Protein Bars for your Diet]
- [Postpartum Weight Loss: How to Get Your Body Back after Baby?]
- [Motherhood: The Best Breastfeeding Diet to Lose Weight for Mommies]
