How to Stay Healthy During This Season of Christmas Dinners
When your family and friends’ love language is food, especially during Christmas, it’s difficult to keep track of all the Christmas dinners you need to attend. When everyone is in a festive mood, it’s also easy to overlook how much you’re eating, not to mention the eggnog you’re drinking. Then, when it’s time to make your New Year’s resolutions, you’re surprised to find you’ve gained weight and now have to add “lose weight” to the list of resolutions you don’t intend to keep. However, there are simple ways to stay healthy during this season of indulgence without overdoing it.
Eat in Moderation During Christmas Dinners
Yes, it’s difficult to eat in moderation when everyone around you is stuffing their faces with literal stuffing. But, if you don’t want to be taking Tums like its popcorn, eat in moderation. Follow the lead of the Japanese who eat using small plates. The reason for this is that they follow the saying, “Hara hachi bu” which in English means “Fill your belly to 80 percent.” Japanese people don’t eat until they’re full. By having their meals on many small plates (four small plates for side dishes and one slightly bigger plate for the main dish) the Japanese tend to eat less, per Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (via Oprah).
Don’t Say Yes to Every Invitation
This is particularly applicable to dinner invitations where you’re allergic to the food that will be served (unless of course, you don’t mind taking a lot of antihistamines after). If you’re taking medications for high blood pressure and the dinner invitation says BBQ, politely decline, especially if you know yourself and you know you will not be able to say no if the host handed you a plate of juicy ribs. Or if you’re trying to cut sweets from your diet and the host inviting you is a good baker who always bakes delicious and melt-in-your-mouth pastries, RSVP “No” now.
Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It (sometimes it really does!)
When you drink eggnog, wine, and sugary cocktails with little umbrellas, it’s easy to think you’re hydrating with all the liquid you’re consuming (it does not count, since alcohol makes you dehydrated). If you’re dehydrated, you feel tired and sluggish, which might trick you into thinking you need more food. So, keep a glass of water nearby, and remember to hydrate before meals.
Bonus: Drinking water also makes you feel fuller, which means fewer trips to the buffet table. And if you plan to drink alcohol, match every glass with a glass of water. Per WebMD, “staying hydrated can reduce the negative effects of alcohol.”
Sneak in Some Activity
Christmas is not exactly the time for marathon workouts, especially when it’s snowing and all you want to do is curl up in bed and be a human burrito. But sneaking in some activities (preferably something you enjoy so it wouldn’t feel like a workout) can help burn off that extra serving of mashed potatoes. After dinner, suggest a family walk to check out the Christmas lights or play a game of Twister to keep everyone moving (and laughing). Or if everyone’s down for it and wouldn’t mind getting wet, break out the classic snowball fight.
So, there you have it: a guide to staying healthy during Christmas dinners. Enjoy your Christmas meals, make smart choices when you can, and most importantly, have fun. After all, the only thing you should really be worrying about this season is whether you’re on Santa’s “nice” list.
Happy holidays and may your plates and hearts be always full.
