Don’t Over Enjoy The Holiday

June 21st officially ushered in Summer, and already it’s another holiday with more festivities. Yep, the 4th of July is here along with another temptation to over indulge with grilling out, hot dogs, chips, burgers, beer, apple pie, and it’s all good. Well … except for the extra calories and, maybe, the extra weight we pick up and may need to lose after the weekend.

Keeping up with my exercise routine is necessary for managing my weight over the summer but even if I get off schedule, I don’t sweat it. We all gain weight at times and, if I’m careful, I can shave those pounds off again with intelligent exercise.

When I’m having a picnic or a party, I try to plan some activities to get us moving. A flag football or basketball game, tossing a frisbee, playing volleyball or swimming are all great ways to have fun while moving around.

Never fear, there are some easy things we can do to benefit from healthy lifestyle choices while still enjoying the summer. When I belly up to the picnic table it's tempting to eat everything in sight, but I can avoid going crazy if I:

Munch on fruits, veggies or other healthy choices before going after the fatty foods. I’ll bring my own to share at the picnic. This way I eat less of the junk foods, but still save room to “sample” them.

Splurge on the things reserved for holidays like homemade ice cream or apple pie. I try to gravitate away from the chips, crackers and other snacks I can get any time.

Once I fill the plate, I migrate somewhere away from the food. Many of us graze mindlessly if there's food nearby, so get what you need, eat slowly and give yourself plenty of time (20 minutes) to feel full so you don't go back for seconds or thirds. Using a smaller plate is also a trick I use to cut down on my portions.

The ice cold brews are another opportunity to moderate, especially when it's hot outside. Unfortunately, alcohol can add more calories to your waistline than you might think. It can also dehydrate you, which is riskier if it's hot outside. Try drinking a glass of water between beverages.

Many of us go all day without eating in anticipation of a party, but if you show up starving, you're much more likely to overeat. Eat small, healthy meals or maybe a protein bar before you go so you can make better choices and avoid temptation.

Making choices that benefit my health doesn’t mean I can't have any fun. Holidays are a time to enjoy yourself and by doing it reasonably, I make the holiday guilt-free.

On Maintaining A Healthy Holiday Weight

Now that Thanksgiving is almost here, many of us are about to disengage our brains and put our mouths in gear. It happens annually like the time change.

The sad reality is that with all the family dinners, parties and snacks at work, socializing with friends, it is going to be another tempting time. The battle of the bulge is on.

But it does not have to be a lose-lose situation. I have learned that I can still enjoy all the holiday treats without going completely insane and still maintain my weight.

So during these holiday challenges here are some of the things I have tried to put into practice:



Try not skip breakfast. If I don’t eat something, by the time lunch rolls around I wind up eating enough for two meals, and then a snack about an hour after that.

And while on the topic of snacks. If I miss lunch, I still try to have some kind of healthy snack every few hours during the day. I wind up eating less at the main meals this way.

When my wife and I go out to a restaurant on date night, we have started to share entrees. It makes the occasion feel more intimate also.

If I go to a holiday party, I carry some almonds, or a piece of fruit like a banana, cheese and an apple in a sandwich bag, and put them in the car. Especially when I know there is going to be chocolate goodies where I am going.

When I am at the dinner table I have tried to slow down my eating, by chewing longer, and putting the fork down between bites. Keep in mind that it takes about 20 minutes before the stomach realizes that I have started put things in my mouth. Socializing more during the meal is another good way to slow down.

When the family gets together on holidays, we all bring something to share. I try to bring something on the lighter, healthier side rather than potato chips or a cheese dip.

When I’m at the feast, I don’t pass up all the good stuff, but I do try to take a “taste” of everything, instead of making a meal of each portion. I have learned over the years that a good portion is about the size of your fist, and I use that for a guideline.

Instead of going to an event, just for the food, I try to focus on the whole gathering and socialize more throughout the event. Even though I know it is a good idea to mentally visualize myself as being successful at not overeating, it is still a challenge.

P.S. If you fall short of your weight loss target, and need some cheap diet pill help over the holidays click here.