With Christmas just around the corner (tomorrow, which is so crazy!), I thought that I would share with you some of my tricks for not going too overboard during holidays. I think we all love the baked goods and snacks that seem to be everywhere, and it is okay to indulge a bit - remember that it's only once a year, and some of these foods only are available during this time of year. So, here are my secrets for indulging without worry, enjoying the holiday goodies.
1. Take what looks good to you and use a plate. When I don't use a plate to contain all of the sweets, appetizers, and sides when I'm at a gathering, I eat way more than I was hungry for. Using a plate helps me out with portion control, and if I want more of something - I can always go back for seconds.
2. If it's something you can have year-round, eat less of it. Recently I was faced with a bucket full of hard candy and chocolates - including mini peanut butter cups wrapped in festive-colored foil. I love peanut butter cups and don’t often buy them - but I know that I could go and get them any time I want. Instead of avoiding them, I took just a couple to enjoy. Rather than fill up on the everyday snacks, I opt for the ones that aren’t always available, savoring each bite. Which brings me to my third tip:
3. If it's something you only get once a year - enjoy it. I really only get to have things like peppermint bark, toffee bark or pecan pie during the holiday season. Rather than worry about how it will affect my waistline, I enjoy every bite that I can. Peppermint bark isn't the same in July, and neither is the pecan pie, but at Christmas, it's delicious, rich, warm, and full of well, holiday flavor. If you know you love the macaroni salad that is only made for the holidays, have some and enjoy it without worry. Do the same for those desserts and other dishes that you love to eat during this time of year.
4. If you're really worried, remember that it's only one day, and one day of indulging a bit is just that - one day. I like to take time out to enjoy the turkey and potatoes, pie, egg nog, and all of the other dishes on the table during Christmas dinner. Once the holiday is over, I go back to my normal habits, and don't let a couple days of indulgence bring me down. Remember: tomorrow is another day, and while I’m not sure who said it first: everything is good in moderation, even moderation (emphasis is my own).
Happy Christmas Eve everyone!
