By Keith Carver
It’s the annual holiday gauntlet. You know…the calorie trap that begins with Thanksgiving and culminates New Year’s Day.
Countless office casseroles and baked goods appear in break rooms all across Tennessee. Evening functions and holiday dinner parties fill our calendars. And if we aren’t careful, we can easily pack on unwanted pounds.
Listed below are a few suggestions to keep us on track during this dangerous eating season:
Treat yourself. Tasty goodies are aplenty this wonderful time of year. Look at your calendar and create a battle plan for your days. Will you be attending the office holiday party? If so, eat a reasonable breakfast and lunch to prepare for your co-worker’s famed cheesecake. Knowing there’s a reward at the end of the day can help you from grazing in the hours leading up to the party.
Drink your water. Water keeps you hydrated and healthy during the winter months and also helps you feel full. Having trouble keeping up with how much water to drink? Try the 3/3 method: drink three glasses of water before lunch and three glasses after. Another tip is to drink a glass of water before attending a function. The sensation of being full will help you from overindulging.
Watch for hidden calories in your favorite holiday drinks. Love eggnog and boiled custard? Remember that even a small glass of these holiday favorites can contain up to 350 calories. And those wonderful holiday beverages from retail drive-thrus? Some can pack a whopping 500 calories in even the smallest containers!
Get out and walk. It’s cold outside, but even a brisk 20-minute walk can make a big difference with your calorie count and metabolism. Take time to exercise every day during the holidays. Walk the dog. Park at the back of the parking lot. Take the stairs. Do whatever you can to increase your activity. Exercise not only helps with the battle of the bulge, it also helps you to…
Get some sleep. Our schedules are packed with functions and shopping, but make time to rest. In addition to impacting your productivity and leading to mental fatigue, studies show a lack of sleep also can lead to mindless overeating during the holidays. You plan your days carefully during the holidays, but be sure to include your rest schedule, too.
I hope you find these tips helpful and encourage you to share your own below.
May you be surrounded by family and friends during this holiday season!
Keith Carver Blog Contact
UT System Administration
Keith is husband to an amazing woman and dad to three active children. He enjoys getting outdoors with his wife, Hollianne, fishing, watching his children play sports all over East Tennessee and reading biographies of historical figures. He currently serves as the executive assistant to UT President Joe DiPietro.