When I Eat All the Things at Yule

Okay, y’all, I make no secret of the fact that I’ve struggled with my weight all of my adult life. I’m pretty healthy and strong these days, but I know I’ll never be skinny. Regardless, because I love to cook, the holiday season can be a real challenge for me – but I’ve figured out over the years that if I set a few basic rules for myself, I can keep things under control during December. This way I don’t spend January through April hating the way my ass looks in a pair of yoga pants.

Watch Your Portions

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during Yule is using a large plate. After all, we’re all trained to finish whatever we take — which means if you have a big plate, you’ll end up with a big meal. Use a smaller sized plate, and you’ll automatically end up with less food. Remember, a “serving” is a specific amount, not how much you can eat in one sitting.

Add Some Greenery

No matter what you plan on eating, make sure at least fifty percent of your food is green vegetables or fruit. Make your first course a salad or a pile of savory veggies. The vegetables and salad will help you fill up on healthy calories, which means you’ll eat less of the food that doesn’t have much nutritional value.

Hurray for Soup!

Many nutrition experts will tell you that the human stomach feels full about twenty minutes after you start eating. Start off with a bowl of soup or broth before your main course, and that way by the time your entree arrives, you’ll be well on your way to being full already. A full feeling means you’re done eating. Also, it means that the slower you eat, the less you’ll eat.

Schedule Your Snacks

It’s really easy to graze on snacks all day, especially if you have them sitting on your desk at work, or on the counter in your kitchen. Instead, schedule your snack time just like you do meals. Plan on having a healthy snack halfway between breakfast and lunch, and again in the middle of the afternoon. This not only will help you cut back on calories, it gives you something to look forward to.

Get Up and Walk

Feeling a little bloated after eating Grandma’s turkey? You’re not alone – but you don’t have to be miserable. Go for a brisk walk around the block, and you’ll feel rejuvenated. Plus, you’ll be burning off some of those calories you just gobbled down!

Don’t Eat on the Go

Most people find they consume more calories if they eat standing up, in the car, or straight out of a package. To combat that, only eat sitting at the table, and use a plate and fork. Don’t wander around the kitchen picking and grazing. Take the time to sit down, and you’ll most likely eat less. Besides, this gives you a chance to spend a few minutes with family at the end of a hectic day.

Eat Before You Party

It’s tempting to go to a potluck dinner and sample a little of everything, but that’s a really good way to pack on the extra pounds. Before you go to a party or event where there will be food, be sure to eat ahead of time. Snack on a bowl of soup, some peanut butter, or an apple and some yogurt. Don’t ever go to a party hungry, or you’ll make yourself miserable.