3 Tips to Avoid Overeating this Holiday Season

I have posted about this in my blog before, but with the Holiday season approaching I had to re-share:

It’s the Holiday Season. That means cookies, pies, holiday parties, and decadence. To be honest, it’s my favorite time of the year. I love making cozy foods, snuggling up, and staying inside.

It’s a time of year where we tend to be more sedentary. That’s why when January rolls around, we have packed on the pounds. Well, not this season! Just follow these 3 easy tips…

Tip #1: Drink Water

 Sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are simply dehydrated. It’s true that tummy rumbling and hunger pangs can simply be our bodies crying out for water. So, instead of reaching for a big plate of food, try drinking a glass of water first. It has been shown in studies that those who drink water before their meal will eat less and lose weight. Other studies have proven that drinking water on an empty stomach increases metabolism. It is great for curbing over-indulgences.

 Tip #2: Take your time

 Okay, so you have your plate; the food smells great, looks delicious, and tasting better than you could imagine. Be mindful and take your time to eat.

You can do this by taking smaller bites, eating slower, chewing thoroughly, and savoring every mouthful. Notice and appreciate the smell, taste, and texture.

Did you know it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive the message that it is full? So, if you take more than 20 minutes to eat a small portion of food, you will find that a little goes a long way.

Remember; take your time, pay attention to your food, and enjoy every bite. If you feel like getting extra-credit, try adding these tips, as well:

-Eat at a table (not in front of a screen)

-Use a small plate

-Put your fork down between each bite

Woot-Woot- you are ready for an enjoyable meal!

Tip #3: Eat your greens first

 Always, always, always eat the light, healthy, and nutrient rich foods first! You may be yearning for that rich, creamy main dish and you can certainly indulge. Just don’t eat it first.

Fill up on rich fibrous, water-filled veggies. Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and health-promoting phytochemicals. These secret weapons are great to have on your side, especially before you indulge in a large meal.

Summary:

 -Have your glass of water

-Eat mindfully

-Start with your salad

These three simple tips will help you avoid over-eating at meals. It will help to avoid that “bloated” feeling and keep you on track with your health goals. Trust me, I know how one long weekend party can push you farther from your goals.

In Health and Love,

Diana

P.S. If you really want to curb those cravings, you can take a cocktail of my

Digestive Bitters and Probiotics.

Processed foods and low-fiber diets allow pathogenic bacteria to overwhelm the good bacteria and diminish colon function. It is important to add probiotics even if you drop the standard American diet.

Stress and poor diet lead to a reduction in bile production. Our bodies should be producing a liter of bile daily, but the sad truth is that the majority of us barely create that amount. Digestive bitters helps to encourage a more complete digestion.