tips to not overeat during the holidays

[ez]

I am looking for tips to keep eating under control over the holidays. I am not overweight but I am extremely petite and a few pounds can make my clothes feel uncomfortable. I am trying to lowcarb now till Christmas to take off a few pounds (Nearing age 50, low carb seems to be the only way I can take off weight anymore) We are having company from Christmas eve thru NY so keeping my eating under control will be a challenge. Thanks

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Since I want to sample everything, I greatly reduce my portion sizes. And I almost double my run lengths.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You could count calories by keeping a food diary of everything you eat and drink.

 

[dislaney]

I drink lots of water. I also walk whenever I can - you know park farther away at the mall, take the stairs,etc. I also try to limit my alcohol - it seems I eat more when I have had a few holiday drinks.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

This is probably a totally weird tip, but try brushing your teeth after a meal. If I do the whole tooth-hygiene route (brushing, flossing, fluoride rinse), it's such a pain in the rear that I don't want to eat any time soon to have to do it again! Plus, I've got all that minty in my mouth and don't have the urge to eat anything else, either.

There you go. Weird, but works for me.

 

[redlight]

Eat slower. Drink more water. Don't mindlessly eat. You're not going to gain weight by overstuffing yourself once or twice a year. You will gain weight if you stuff yourself regularly.

 

[Planogirl]

I always low carb and I do so in a mostly low fat way. I feel much better and plan to do it throughout the holidays. I will indulge only on Christmas day but I plan to keep it under control so I don't feel miserable.

I take a taste of things so I don't feel completely left out. I also allow myself a few treats here and there. I believe that completely depriving yourself actually tends to make you want it more and sometimes eventually lose it.

 

[TinklednPants]

Smoke crack??? Seriously though, there are no tips to control yourself. You just need to control yourself. Same advice goes for anyone. If you don't want to overeat.....you have to pay attention to what you eat and cut yourself off. That and do some extra exercise.
Bottom line is it's calories in Vs. calories out.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Readers Digest said 2 cups of water before you eat works

 

[SandrA9810]

This is probably a totally weird tip, but try brushing your teeth after a meal. If I do the whole tooth-hygiene route (brushing, flossing, fluoride rinse), it's such a pain in the rear that I don't want to eat any time soon to have to do it again! Plus, I've got all that minty in my mouth and don't have the urge to eat anything else, either.

There you go. Weird, but works for me.

I always hate eating in the morning after I brush my teeth. I have to wait till the mintyness goes away to eat.

 

[marcyinPA]

I was just at a party tonight with a lot of hors deurves (sp) on a table with little plates. One of the guests is a personal trainer and is very petite...I watched as she loaded up her little plate with fruit and veggies, and left just a little space for a dip and crackers.

She did this a few times...so ended up only eating a couple of tastes of dip, but a lot of fresh fruit and veggies!

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

I have the same problem - I'm 4 ft 10 and currently 113. If I didn't watch what I eat, I could easily gain weight.

First, avoid alcohol. Not only does it have calories, but it lowers your inhibitions, which trashes your ability to control yourself (& therefore control your calorie intake, lol)

Second, avoid egg nog! Or at least buy the light egg nog, not that it's much lighter, but every calorie counts, right?

Small portions. Don't deny yourself a treat, but you can sample and taste it all without gorging yourself on everything. I start with small portions. If there is something I like a lot, I go back for seconds, but it's really only another bite or two.

 

[arminnie]

Since I want to sample everything, I greatly reduce my portion sizes. And I almost double my run lengths.

I have almost always lost weight during the holidays for decades. I do not deny myself anything. I taste it all - but the operative word is "taste". When I am full I stop eating - doesn't matter if I am out to dinner and my plate is still full.

I used to exercise a lot before I got old - but you probably can't exercise enough to get rid of eating an extra 3000 calories a day.

Another tip - when you are at a party or with friends and relatives - talk instead of eating. Hopefully these are people you want to visit with so put conversation over chewing.