5 Tips for Staying on the Diet Defensive This Holiday Season

Special K and Registered Dietitian Lisa Cohn recently conducted a survey to better understand women’s holiday eating habits. According to a media alert I received on the topic…

…75 percent of women surveyed do not bring a healthy snack while shopping
…60 percent of women do not stick to their holiday eating goals
…4 in 10 women admit to cheating on holiday eating goals
…34 percent of women are more likely to overeat while making holiday foods in the kitchen

What’s a girl to do? Well, apparently bring snacks to the mall, stick with your goals, and stop cooking. Nos. 1 and 3 sound pretty easy, but not sure about that second one! Here are some tips from Special K, adapted by moi to remove some of the more promotional aspects:

1. Eat meals and snacks regularly. A diet high in protein and fiber throughout the day will help take the edge off hunger between meals.
2. When you go shopping, take along a high-protein snack bar or other healthy goodie. I like Clif Bars and Clementine oranges. Clif Bars are tasty and contain lots of protein and fiber, and oranges are loaded with fiber and potassium. That’s enough to hold me over when I’m waiting in an impossibly long line!
3. Eat a sensible salad before attending a holiday party so you will be less likely to overindulge while at the party. In other words, make sure you’re already filled up with something healthy so you don’t feel hungry when surrounded by unhealthy foods.
4. Choose a smart indulgent snack before baking. My favorite is a protein smoothie made with frozen berries, OJ, vanilla yogurt, and a scoop of Better than Milk soy shake powder. It is so sweet and good, and totally good for you. If you MUST have some chocolate, get a SMALL DISH and pour some chips into it. Eat only one at a time as you bake — when the dish is empty, so is your snacking.
5. Some people use the “I break off small pieces of cookies because they have fewer calories” excuse. But having bits and pieces of 12 cookies can add up quickly. Indulge by having a cookie but remember to keep everything in moderation.

For more tips on maintaining your weight — and your reputation — during the holidays, read my articles and “Avoiding Corporate Spread: At-Work Workout Tips” and “Navigating the Winter Wonderland” at EzineArticles.com.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King