How to Stay on Your Diet Through the Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching and you're on a diet. Staying on your diet during the holiday season can be challenging.   Don't despair!  You don't need to go off your diet for the holidays and you don’t need to gain weight either.  Follow these tips for getting through the holidays while on a diet and you'll be ready for the New Year. 

Don't Deprive Yourself

It can be devastating to force yourself to hold back when others are partaking of the food around you.  When you're at a party or get-together don't force yourself to refrain.  Instead you can eat in moderation.  Before the party determine what you will allow yourself to eat.  Give yourself a guideline and follow it at the party.  Rather than taking two of something take just one.  Choose between several options instead of eating one of each.

Follow the "Fist Rule"

When eating any meal or snack keep the fist rule in mind.  Only eat a portion that totals about the size of your fist.  This will help to keep you from overeating or indulging in foods that will put you over the edge of your diet.  Eating smaller portions ensures that you'll be taking in fewer calories.  Make sure that you don't overeat by using only a small plate and don't fill it completely. 

Drink Water

Water helps to keep you hydrated but it also helps to give you a full feeling.  Drink a glass of water before you attend a party or holiday function.  This will help to keep you from overeating while at the event.  Avoid alcohol but if you do want to imbibe choose simple drinks that don't use cream or sugary syrups.  Mix alcohol with simple tonic water to reduce your caloric intake.

Eat Slowly

Most people who are overweight are fast eaters.  Your body sends signals when it reaches a certain level of "fullness".  The signals tell you that you're full and so you stop eating.  If you eat too quickly you don't give your body enough time to react and send the signals.  This allows you to eat more than you need to.  Learn to slow down when eating to allow yourself time to feel full.

Don't Stand Near the Food Table

Often times people like to gather and talk right next to the buffet table.  Once located here people can easily overeat because they simply keep eating.  You can end up eating without even realizing it.  Rather than standing near the table take a small plate of food and move away.  This way you won't be tempted to keep reaching for food.  If your friends are near the table politely ask them to join you in another location.

Don't Talk About Food

At parties people tend to focus on talking about food because it's right ther