The holidays can be a real challenge for many of us. Buffets are filled with such variety of tasty foods and you want to try it all! Personally, I am addicted to sugar and can be drawn by the abundance and variety of treats surrounding us this time of year. I think of my grandmother’s fudge, chocolate and apple pies, and the variety of cookies! I have learned that while these treats are delicious, they do have a negative effect on my mood, energy level, and immune function. While I don’t avoid them all together, I limit their consumption, enjoy every bite, and make sure I am eating plenty of other healthy fruits, vegetables, proteins, nuts and seeds to keep me feeling energized and keep illness at bay.

Here are my tips for enjoying parties this season:

Tip 1:

Drink water and have a healthy snack before you go. This prevents you from feeling ravenous when you get to the party and want to eat everything in sight, leading to binge eating and over fullness.

Tip 2:

Scout out the food options and choose consciously. Pick foods you know you like. If you don’t like sweet potatoes, don’t eat them! And it’s okay to let yourself have a treat

Tip 3:

Notice the flavor, texture and smells. Savor each bite. Is it salty? Sweet? Crunchy? Creamy? These actions will help you enjoy your selections and feel more satisfied.

Tip 4:

Chew your food well and slowly. This will help you notice the flavor, texture and aroma of what you’re eating. Chewing each bite starts the digestive process, helping to break down the food into smaller particles. It also sends signals to your brain to send in digestive juices and enzymes to further break it down and make it more readily absorbed into your body.

Tip 5:

Monitor your fullness. Stop eating when you are full! This will help you to not mindlessly put food in your mouth.

Tip 6:

Don’t linger in front of the food table. It is human nature to reach for food that is placed in front of us, so by not standing around in front of the food table you limit the temptation. Out of sight, out of mind.

Tip 7:

Focus on connecting with friends and family. Make socializing the main purpose for attending the party. That’s what it’s all about, right?

If you are looking for tips on how to ditch the sugar addiction, send me a message and I’d love to chat! Check out my on-line 5-week group nutrition class that includes a 3-week sugar detoxification plan. Contact me for more information.

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