Resources - December 2003

Healthy Holiday Eating

As a child, in post-war England, everything was in short supply and we never ate enough to gain a lot of weight. Even everyday foods were rationed or in short supply. My Mother used to save up her food coupons so at Christmas we could have extra special treats like chocolates and spicy goods; roast meats and chutneys; appetizers and preserved fruits.

Today, we can buy all the calorie rich, tasty foods we want to celebrate the holidays, and we do! Then we eat these marvellous foods and we gain weight we neither want or need.

Here are ten tips for preventing excess weight gain this holiday:

Eating:

  1. Each only when you are hungry [even if candies, chocolates and other tempting foods are in view].
  2. Do not eat in a hurry [you will end up eating more than you need].
  3. Do not eat when you are doing something else [like watching television or reading].
  4. Only eat when you are sitting at a table [don't graze just because food is there].
  5. Only put a small amount of food [about a teaspoonful] in your mouth at any one time.
  6. Chew each mouthful for a long time to enjoy its flavor: [once it is swallowed it has gone].
  7. Exercise every day: this burns calories and curbs the urge to eat.
Drinking:
  1. Drink a full glass of water before you drink alcohol [reduces thirst and hydrates you]
  2. Remember sweetened, creamy and alcoholic beverages contain LOTS of calories.
  3. If you are pressured to drink, accept it then pour it out when no-one is looking [house plants, kitchens, bathrooms and the outdoors come in handy]

Remember alcohol leads to weight gain. Alcohol also increases the risk of injuries, pregnancy, and death. Avoid accidents, violence, and drunken driving.

BE SAFE - DONT DRINK AND DRIVE