The holidays are here and along with running around trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list and spending time with family and friends comes the inevitable food centered celebrations.
You don’t need to have a mental debate or fight your cravings when it comes to deciding between the healthy plate full of greens and the once a year special occasion dessert that your grandmother made just for the holidays. And you don’t need to beat yourself up if you overindulge a little (remember the 80/20 rule) but it does help to have some strategies in place to help you stay in control. Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy the festivities.
Here are 8 Simple Tips for Better Portion Control:
1: Focus on eating whole foods (avoiding pre-packaged food-like substances as much as possible) including plenty of protein and vegetables, until you are satiated (that feeling where you are about 80% full). Don’t deprive yourself since this always backfires, causing you to eat more food later in the day. Most processed foods have chemical additives that make it difficult for us to limit consumption.
2: If portion control is more of an issue when you go out to eat, have a healthy snack before you leave so the bread or chip basket is less tempting (or ask that the waiter not bring the rolls or chips to your table). Plan on taking part of your meal home for leftovers since most restaurants give you huge portions. You can even ask for an extra plate and put ½ the meal on that plate and pack the rest up to take home for left overs.
3: Include healthy fats in your diet. This will help you feel satiated longer (and allow your body to absorb the fat soluble vitamins your body needs). Ideas include: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter and ghee. Having a salad? You’ll feel full longer and absorb more nutrients if you add some fresh avocado or a dressing that includes healthy fat, like olive oil.
4: Using smaller plates can be helpful. When you put food on a large plate, you almost automatically want to try to fill it up and then feel like you need to finish it all. By using smaller plates (and bowls) you may find that you eat less but still feel comfortably full.
5: Don’t skip meals. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Start your day with breakfast (preferably including some protein which will help you feel full longer) and plan ahead for lunch. It’s also a good idea to bring a healthy snack with you to get you through the afternoon before dinner. Portion control is very difficult when you’re starving!
6: When snacking, place the snack on a plate (or bowl) rather than eating right out of the bag or container. This is a huge help so you’re more aware of how much you are eating and you can better manage your potions this way.
7: If you’re out at dinner and you feel like having dessert, just plan ahead. Order a smaller dinner (or healthy appetizers) and skip the alcohol, and enjoy a little dessert. It’s all about moderation and choices. Don’t feel like you ‘can’t have it’, just decide what you would enjoy more and make the choice and enjoy.
8: Slow down. By slowing down and enjoying our food more, we end up eating less. Remember to chew each bite more, relax and enjoy!
Photo credit: 123RF
