Healthy holiday eating tips

MANILA, Philippines - Many look forward to the Christmas season with both anticipation and dread — anticipation for the delicious Yuletide treats that are about to fill their tummies, and dread for the holiday weight gain that will, yes, fill their waistline.

But this need not be the case. According to MakatiMed’s Weight Wellness Center head Dr. Jojo Carlos-Raboca, “There are simple ways to keep yourself well and in shape while enjoying the season.”

Here are some tips to help you keep an eye on your weight while still enjoying your favorite festive treats.

• Never starve yourself before a party. A lot of people go to Christmas parties with the mindset that they are about to stuff themselves with delectable food and drinks, and as such, make it a point not to eat anything hours before the occasion. This may sound reasonable, but in truth, it will not do you much good because going to parties hungry will cause you to overeat, leaving you with a bloated stomach and feelings of remorse. As a general rule of thumb, always have a light snack before you head out the door.

• Sample everything in moderation. There’s no need to restrict yourself from certain types of food, even if you’re watching your weight. The trick is to try everything in small portions — this way, you get to enjoy everything your host has to offer without feeling like you ate too much. A good way to watch your portions is to use a smaller plate, as this will help limit the amount of food you get. 

• Go easy on the alcohol. While the Yuletide season is a great time to drink and be merry, be mindful of the amount of alcohol you drink. Remember that such drinks are also fattening, and can be the culprit behind a bigger stomach.

• Go for fruits and vegetables. The holidays should never be an excuse to ditch your fruits and vegetables. Balance out your diet by including a portion of these with every meal. There’s a good chance that these will be present at most parties you’ll go to — so make it a point to have a delicious salad or a tasty fruit cocktail as an appetizer or dessert.

• Don’t force yourself to finish leftovers. More often than not, the reason why many people gain weight during the holidays is because they make it a point to clear their plates even though they’re already full. While this is an admirable attempt to show that you are enjoying your food, remember that doing this every single time will certainly put on those unwanted pounds. The lesson here is this: Never take more than what you can finish.

Now, if you are the one hosting the party, let your guests take home most, if not all, of the leftovers. If you take responsibility for all the excess food, chances are you will feel pressured to consume all of them to make way for your other groceries.

• Be prepared — plan ahead. Careful food planning is something that most people overlook — yet this is one of the most effective ways to prevent holiday weight gain. Take time to sit down before all the parties start and decide which types of food you will allow yourself to eat or can do without. This makes it easier to resist reaching for that extra slice of cake as you’ll have already made your choices in advance.

• Learn to say no. Finally, the ultimate key to watching your weight during the Christmas season is one simple word: no. Knowing when to respectfully decline that extra serving of food may just help you get through the holidays without experiencing the dismay of realizing that your clothes are now tighter and snugger.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to having the willpower and determination to make good food choices, as well as the motivation to end the year with a healthy holiday body.