The mention of Christmas conjures visions of sugarplums in our heads--along with cookies, candy, pie and a million other tempting treats. If you're on a diet like Weight Watchers, it can be overwhelming to think about. However, there are some easy tricks to get you through Christmas dinner, whether you're at home or with relatives. You can stay in control of your diet while still enjoying the tasty dishes from a big Christmas feast.
Treat It as an Occasion
Christmas and other holidays are special occasions. Emphasis should fall on the word special, especially when you're talking about food. There are dishes on the table that you can't get during other times of the year. Understanding this is a great way to keep yourself in check and focused on your plan. If you can have mashed potatoes any day you want, why bother putting a mountain of them on your plate? Focus on the things that are rare treats. These differ from family to family, of course, but if Grandma's sweet potato pie is a Christmas-only treat, don't deprive yourself. Keep your portions in check, but have a spoonful. Treat the special dishes as special, and leave the everyday fare for the everyday.
Use Some Flex Points
If you never spend any of your FlexPoints during the week, special occasions can be a great time to use them up. It may slow your weight loss a little, but remember that those extra points are there to be used without guilt. If you can't live without a slice of pie, a glass of wine, or second helpings of ham, budget your points accordingly.
Slow & Steady
Special occasions are very food-focused. However, that isn't the only reason you're gathered with family and friends. Instead of focusing on dinner and dessert, try to pace yourself and focus instead on the people around you. Place your fork down in between bites, and during that interim take the time to talk with others around the table. Sometimes it helps to find the slowest eater in the room and pace yourself alongside them. If you take the time to relish the moment as opposed to only focusing on the food, you will have better memories of the event as well as a better week on the scales.
Bring Your Own
When all else fails, sneak in your own healthy snacks. If you're going to Christmas dinner at a relative's house, why not offer to make a healthy vegetable dish? There are plenty of Weight Watchers-friendly cookbooks on the market that have dishes that are both tasty and diet-friendly. If you're the main cook, you'll have to make some concessions--not everyone is dieting, and some people just want all the carbs and fat they can get. However, when you're in control of your own menu, you can be sure of what you're putting into your food, and therefore have a better grasp of the point values of dishes.
Plan In Advance
The most important thing to remember at Christmastime is to plan in advance. Call your host to ask what will be on the menu or, if you're the host, figure out the point values of your dishes before you cook them. Budget out how much you are going to have of each dish, and stick to your plan on the day. It might help to have a handful of nuts about 20 minutes before you eat, as they will take the edge off your hunger. Of course, there might always be a surprise chocolate pie brought in by your favorite aunt, but by planning in advance you'll be more prepared to make the concession of an extra piece of ham and gravy for a slice of pie instead. Expect the unexpected, and don't be afraid to say no to seconds.
Tags: Christmas dinner, control your, have better, pace yourself, point values, special occasions, take time