Holiday and Vacation Diet Tips

So what about the holidays? The temptations and offerings are very abundant. Sure, allow yourself a treat, but think in portion size! If there is a pie and there are leftovers, cut it into small slices, leave out one piece for you, then freeze the rest for those special occasions. Temptation still too great? Give it to a neighbor, friend or relative who would enjoy it. Your generosity is welcomed, plus you feel good for giving! Well, you'll also be getting rid of those unwanted calories that would be sitting around waiting for you to devour. Cutting back on calories by consuming SMALLER portions, is the way of healthier eating habits.

Whether you're self-catering for a family or eating out in local restaurant you still have control of what you eat.  Don't worry either if you can't work out the the amount of calorie content of all your meals. A few meals will not kill your diet but your body will crave more food when you head back down to a normal eating level. If you're only on vacation for a couple of weeks and choose sensibly what you eat, you can that without much damage

1. Plan your days, including when and where you are going to eat!  If you're planning a long lunch, then aim to have only a very small snack for breakfast and a very small dinner. Or if you’re going to "all-you-can-eat buffet" for dinner only eat a very small breakfast and a small salad for lunch.  A light lunch is what you need.  Also drink a couple of glasses of water about thirty minutes before eating. it will fill you up. Don't skip meals though since you will end up eating more than you normally.

2. Wherever and however you're eating, aim to stick to the same healthy eating rules you follow at home.  Avoiding fried fatty food, Try to fill up first on fresh fruit and vegetables, keeping fatty and sugary foods to a minimum. 

3. Low-fat spread and skimmed milk, it's always worth asking, especially in the larger hotels and if they don't have it just tell your self one is piece of bread is enough!  

4. Skip the bread that often comes at the start of a meal. Have it with the dinner and you will eat less  bread! Trust me you will eat less. If you can't resist the bread, try having it without butter or oil on it.  I know that is very difficult to do.

5. Nibble, on olives or pickles rather than peanuts – they only have 3 calories each, compared to peanuts which have 150 calories per small handful.  

6. Steer clear of dishes that come in rich, creamy sauces or contain pastry.  

7. Be careful when you order salads. It may seem like you're having the healthiest option on the menu, but they may be drowning in dressing. Ask your waiter to put the dressing on the side.

8. Remember, you don't have to sample every item you are offered. Also you don't have to eat everything on your plate or go for all three courses. Remind yourself that just because it's all paid for or someone else cook it you don't have to eat it!!   Also remember to cut back a few days before your family gathering. You will not want to eat as much plus you are cutting back on calories to make room for the special family dinners.

9. Don’t let 'all-you-can-eat' buffets be your diet slayer! At a buffet in might be very easy to over eat but the good news there are plenty of healthy options to choose from. Fill you plate with these food first and if you still feel like eating the fatter food you will not have a lot of room for.  No matter what don't go back for seconds! and keep the  desserts to a few items.

10. If you are driving stop and get a sub for dinner instead of stopping and getting high calorie items. Try to balanced meal for the time you expect to be gone. This way you won't break the calorie bank and you will only have a little overage!

11. Choose desserts carefully – fresh fruit salad is great, ice-cream is not so great but if you have to have it don't get the extra serving!

Losing weight is hard to do with so many kinds of food around.  Back in the 1900's to the mid 1960's the percentage of overweight men and woman was much less than it is today.  They didn't have a fast food establishment on every corner. They didn't have all the fast grab snack foods either.  I know you can do it so think positive and lose that weight!