Holiday parties are the best and the worst. They’re the best because it’s fun to get dressed up and have fun together with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors; and the worst because they can be a minefield in terms of food choices which can lead to potential weight gain and generally feeling unwell. There’s also bit of irony here because we are raising our glasses and toasting to our health!
Most food and drinks are not neutral. For the most part, what we consume either provides nourishment or contributes to some type of inflammation. During the holidays, there are so many tempting options, and they tug at our emotional strings because they are associated with comfort foods and childhood.
We need to remember that the tradition of feasting around the winter solstice originated in a time when it would be followed by a period of fasting in the barren winter months. The feasts would literally provide a chance to fatten up to survive the scarcity of food in the winter. Since we no longer suffer this scarcity, we no longer need to or desire to add more pounds in December.
It is well known for centuries and there is well-established research that sugar and starches are fattening foods. Given that’s what’s on the menu, it’s comes as no surprise that the average person in both the US and in the UK can expect to gain 5 to 8 pounds or more during the holidays. Its no wonder we are all forced into diets and detoxes in January.
With so many decadent treats, what’s the best way to get through the holiday parties? Maybe it’s time to break this cycle or at lease minimize the damage. Here are a few things to consider.
- One possibility is to eat before you go. Have a nice healthy meal with some protein and veggies before the party. You will be less tempted to nibble.
- Bring your favorite healthy holiday dish to share.
- Only eat if you are actually hungry.
- Avoid cocktails. Stick to dry wines and plain clear liquor and moderate consumption.
- Seek out the protein: nuts, meatballs, shrimp, cheese, kebabs, eggs, charcuterie, and such. These will be filling and provide nourishment.
- Crunch on the veggies instead of the crisps.
- Say no to processed foods and fried foods.
- Skip the bread basket. Just skip it.
- Avoid desserts that are both sugar and refined flour. Best options for sweets are fresh or dried fruit, cheesecake, custard, dark chocolate, or opt for the cheese plate. If you absolutely cannot resist, limit yourself to one or two bites and really savour them.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
A few final tips:
- There may be some events where you are just going to “go for it” and just enjoy without having to think about it. That’s great! Have fun and don’t go back regretting it later.
- Have a buddy for accountability. Have pride in making best choices and not having to loosen your belt!
- Don’t eat with abandon the entire month of December just because you already “blew it”. Enjoy the celebrations and scale back for other days and other meals. You will feel much better by the end of the month by enjoying the season mindfully.
- Skip a meal occasionally. This is a perfect time to practice Intermittent Fasting to allow your body to recover form the indulgences.
- Include movement in your days and get plenty of sleep.
- Be present and in the moment and have fun!
