Avoiding Mindless Munching During the Holidays

We all love some good holiday noshing! The food is often like no other that we eat during the year, and we let ourselves splurge! We worked hard all year! However, if you still want to splurge on the good stuff during the holidays but don’t want to setback all your hard work, I have a few ways I use to avoid mindless munching and save my calories for the stuff I really love! 

1. Take it to go: If your weakness is pie, take a single piece with you to go. Enjoy it the next day and when its gone, its gone!
2. Beware of bowls: Having candy or any treats that are put out in bowls can lead to mindless eating. It’s too easy to keep grabbing handfuls of bowl treats. Ask your family members to keep them out of sight while you are visiting. Another alternative is to pack a little plastic bag of mixed nuts or a healthy alternative to snack on while you wait for dinner.
3. Just a taste: I love love love eggnog, but you can enjoy it without going overboard. Putting a little in my coffee satisfies me just the same. Check this out and try for yourself:http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggnog-coffee
4. Make time for exercise: Schedule workouts around your holiday happenings. If you aren’t eating Christmas dinner until 5, go on a hike in the morning or plan a flag football game with your family. There are plenty of activities that will not only help you get your workout in but also bond with your loved ones. Fun, colorful, themed 5k races are happening all around. Get a team together and sign up for a couple! Check out Nashville Strider’s 2015/2016 race calendar to find a 5k near you!
   

   There are plenty of activities that will not only help you get your workout in but also bond with your loved ones.

5. Play a game: If you find yourself mindlessly munching when you are bored, grab the kids and relatives and play a board game! If you are at an adult-only party, Cards Against Humanity is one option that will keep you laughing for hours.

Have a blast and enjoy eating delicious food mindfully! Want more tips on how to eat right (mostly) during the holidays, check out my article Grab and Go Snacks to keep you energized and full.

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