BY DANNA DEMETRE, THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN’S TOTAL LIFE COACH
1 Drink a large glass of water (always a good thing) before going to a special dinner or buffet. It not only fills you up, but reminds you of your goal to eat with purpose.
2 Give yourself healthy self-talk messages two to three times a day to change your perspective about all the fattening foods that bombard you during the holidays with statements such as: “When I see fattening or unhealthy foods, I can imagine what they can do inside my body—clogging my arteries and putting excess fat on where I don’t want it.”
3 Get a reality check: Most holiday cookies, candies, and other treats are at least 150 calories per ounce. That’s more than a full tablespoon of butter. If you eat 10 to 12 fattening spoonfuls of fudge and other goodies, you could gain a half pound of fat at one party!
4 Practice the ten-minute delay rule. Every time you have an urge to try one more cookie or piece of grandma’s fudge, just make yourself wait ten minutes. Then, if you really still want it; go ahead and take one small piece or bite of that tempting morsel. Then wait another ten minutes for the next bite. If nothing else, you will eat considerably fewer calories.
5 Stabilize your blood sugar to decrease cravings. A lean, healthy breakfast and lunch that each have at least 15 grams of protein and 5 to 10 grams of fiber (and no empty calories) will give you great energy and balance to withstand temptations more effectively!
6 Burn more calories every day . . . so you won’t store the extra calories you eat this season as fat. If you add at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, you could burn off an excess 3,500 calories or more between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That’s one pound of fat you won’t find on your backside this year! Not to mention the decreased stress and increased energy you will get from moving more.
7 Stock up on healthy snacks that will help you say “No” to the goodies and treats that really aren’t your favorites anyway. Healthy energy bars will give you a “sweet fix” and still keep you on track. Fruit, veggies, and nuts (in moderation) are always great options.
8 Always bring a healthy option to any dinner or party that will allow you to eat a bit more volume of something you know will fill you up without all the fat or calories.
9 Put on your bathing suit every day in front of a full-length mirror and ask yourself this question: “Do I really want to store extra fat on my body this holiday season?”
10 Give yourself the gift of health. Eating more healthfully is your choice. Just as choosing to overeat is a choice. Remind yourself that you can have anything you want, anytime you want it. So, you don’t need to have it all right now. And, choosing to have a lean body that is full of energy is the best gift you can give yourself and your family this Christmas!
Danna Demetre is an international speaker and author, best known for her most popular book, Scale Down: A Realistic Guide to Balancing Body, Soul & Spirit. She is a former radio host and a frequent media guest. She has been featured on the 700 Club, Life Today, Living the Life and Moody’s Midday Connection. Visit: www.dannademetre.com