1. Embrace the Power of the Bite
One bite can easily reduce your cravings. Mashed potatoes call out to you in your dreams all year, but you know it's a huge sour-cream-and-butter-laden diet nightmare. Just remember that taste is super short-lived, but those hot jeans could potentially fit forever. See how fast your craving fades after taking your time to savor just a bite or two.
2. Water it Down
Keep reaching for that water pitcher during the T-Day festivities. You'll keep yourself hydrated, sure, but having water in hand will help on so many levels. It will make you feel full faster, so you'll be less tempted to go for seconds. Your hands will be occupied, so you're less likely to drink too many cocktails or bottles of wine. For that matter, you won't be tempted into it - if you've got a drink, fewer people will offer you one. And, when forced to happily ingest a questionable family favorite (I'm looking at you, pearl onions) you can swallow it like a gel cap with a big gulp of diet-friendly water.
3. Get Some Air
Before or after dinner, take the opportunity to go for a quick walk. Grab your favorite family members, they'll also be happy for the escape. You'll also torch a few calories while you're at it.
4. Eat Only What You REALLY Want
Sweet potatoes are all the rage, but do you really love them slathered with marshmallows? If you don't like it, skip it. Leave room/calories for the stuff you really want.
5. Indulge Yourself...or Else!
If you skip the stuffing...will you regret it? So much that you'll be eating it out of the fridge later? Let yourself have your holiday favorites, guilt free. If you try to resist altogether, you'll probably end up binging later.
6. Remember What Vegetables SHOULD Be
Veggies should be steamed, boiled, raw, with maybe a touch of olive oil, salt, or butter. They should not be injected with cheese, cream, or casseroled. Watch out for these guys - while often delish, these veggies are wearing a fat suit. You'll be tempted to eat a pile of it and chalk it up to diet-friendly fare. Something like a zucchini casserole clocks in at around 400 calories - so consider yourself warned.
7. Get an Extra Serving of Exercise
Try to get some extra workouts in to offset your indulgences. Use your morning off to do a 20 min work out tape or take a walk. Every little bit counts, so do that little extra before treating yourself to holiday goodies.
8. Make it Yourself
The only way to really know the diet damage a dish is going to cause is to make it yourself. Volunteer to bring safe side dishes and desserts. Chances are, no one will know its healthier, but you will, and that's what counts.
9. Smile and Nod
Don't get riled up by some relative who likes to play holiday mind games. They're a waste of time, energy, and stress hormones. Just don't engage! Keep your stress level down and you'll be less likely to eat (or in my case - drink) your feelings.
10. Wear Something Cute
Rock a nice outfit for the holiday. It will remind you to watch that waistline. If you wear stretchy clothes or anything with an elastic waist (yes, leggings, I know you're listening) you'll be tempted to eat until your stomach expands. If you start now, you'll be hiding under big sweaters all winter...and will probably need to all summer too.
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