HEALTH & FITNESS BLOG

4 Tips for Avoiding Overindulgence During the Holiday Season

By: Northwestern Medicine Staff

December 3, 2019, 9:00 am - Categories: Fitness

Wintertime with family or friends is synonymous with traditions and home-cooked meals. We hope the following four strategies will help you partake in this delicious holiday season sans the upset stomach:

Eat Breakfast
People who eat breakfast tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Fiber-rich foods tend to be lower in calories but will still fill you up. Therefore, munch on those fruits and vegetables before going to your holiday meal.

Take Smaller Portions
Feel free to have reduced portions of desserts, sides and entrées; it will help you avoid overeating.

Strategize
Pick a strategy, and stick with it. Grabbing a smaller plate helps dictate how much food you will take or fill up your bowl with a salad before moving on to the main course. Enjoy every delicious bite, and hold off on getting that second helping for 10 minutes to determine if you are still hungry.

Post-Meal Stroll
Following your meal, take an enjoyable stroll with your friends or family. This technique will help you feel less lethargic and enable you to partake in some light exercise.

For more information about nutritional counseling, please visit the Member Services desk.

Reference: https://www.eatright.org/health/lifestyle/holidays/how-to-enjoy-the-holiday-without-the-weight-gain