From power shopping in crowded malls to hustling through busy airports and along crowded highways, holiday survival often means grabbing fast food on the fly and mindless snacking to curb the stress. This may not seem like an ideal time to start a healthier eating plan — especially with big platters of Southern favorites and the enthusiastic hosts offering you seconds — but it can be.
Research shows that the most successful dieters (those who lose weight and keep it off for the long haul) practice healthy eating and exercise habits all year long. They set time frames and limit portions. “I’ll enjoy fries only once a month.” Or “I’ll eat macaroni and cheese in a small bowl.” Or a holiday version, “I’ll go to a big cocktail party tonight, but I’ll have a bowl of soup for lunch.”
Don’t wait for New Year’s diet resolutions. To help your hips survive the holidays, all you have to remember is the word SLIM.
S — Savor the South
Fill your plate with the foods you should be eating more of such as greens, beans, peaches, okra and pecans. Citrus is in season during the winter months and provides good nutrition to help ward off colds and the flu.
Parties are a way of life for Tony Conway, owner of A Legendary Event catering company in Atlanta. His holiday survival tip is to balance fried with fresh, If you're going to eat fried chicken, try to pair it with a fresh salad or collard greens.
L — Linger longer
Take your sweet time when enjoying meals even if the world around you is swirling fast. This mindfulness helps you feel more satisfied with smaller portions while you slowly savor the season’s treats such as chocolate desserts or rich eggnog.
I — Indulge a little
Satisfy your cravings so they don’t return with a vengeance. Whether your favorite seasonal splurge is a praline candy, baked Brie or barrel aged bourbon on the rocks, there’s room for a little indulgence. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate healthy eating plan encourages us to “spend” about 250 calories a day on splurge foods to be happy and healthy in the long run.
M — Make it happen
Use grit and grace to stick to your guns when holiday temptations lure at every turn. Keep fresh fruit, veggies, whole-grain crackers, and nuts on hand. A handful of pecans before heading out to dinner can calm your appetite so you don’t dive in the minute you arrive. Offer to bring a healthy dish to family gatherings. Substitute ingredients, for instance, spinach dip with nonfat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
