- Bring a dish. To ensure there are healthy options at the Christmas dinner table you will want to bring a dish. Bring a salad since you can fill up on that before indulging or a low fat dessert to keep you in check after the dinner. Perhaps you can even do both!
- Drink plenty of water. Do not waste your calories on sugary drinks. I would rather have a piece of pie than drink away my calories. Drink water with lemon or lime and devote your calories and sugar intake to the pumpkin pie.
- Eat a snack before you leave. Before leaving for Christmas dinner have a small snack made of protein like eggs to prevent overeating. The protein will stay with your body longer and keep you satisfied which will prevent you from inhaling a chocolate cheesecake and loaded mashed potatoes.
- Go on a walk. If you can get in some exercise this season than you will be a few steps ahead. This is not time to stop your exercise routine but missing some Zumba classes happens during the holiday rush. If that happens to you, then make taking a stroll a holiday tradition. Walk the dog or kids around and look at the Christmas lights for some added exercise.
- Do not eat in between meals. There is enough meal time temptation and calories that eating outside of that is a big no no. Save your eating and calories for the meals with family. Do not snack on the yummy items you make either.
- Balance it out. That last thing you need to do is take a break from your diet during the holidays. However, you may end up eating too many calories as you spend time around a table with family. It happens. But it is no excuse to throw in the towel and eat your way through the holidays. If you overeat one day then the next day work out extra and cut the calories and fat to make up for it.