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During the Christmas season, summer and the
body-conscious state of mind are distant memories. Hearty indulgence in the many foods shared at Christmas
therefore doesn't produce the same feelings of guilt. Nevertheless, it's not a pleasant thought to start the New
Year carrying any extra pounds. So why then eat yourself into a resolution to 'take off a few extra pounds' if you
can smartly avoid it?
Whether it's sharing cookies and candies at work, or having an evening out at
a party or dinner, you can have Christmas food and enjoy it. While you seem to be eating heartily, the key
is to have a secret strategy of moderation. It involves sticking to a plan that such as 'Eating on a
Budget.'
'Eating on a Budget' is not about the cost of what is eaten, but about the
quantity of what is eaten. It is important to develop a 'budget' or eating in moderation plan because it
is almost impossible to avoid exposure to many cookies, candies and other sweets at Christmas.
At work, you may risk appearing like the Grinch who stole Christmas if
your response will always be something like, 'Uh..no..bah humbug' when offered some Christmas goodies. It
will seem as if you are not in the spirit of the holidays especially since everyone is usually in a festive and
more relaxed mood, and the pace at work is usually slower.
A practical way to take part in Christmas goodies, for example, is to
substitute some holiday cookies for say the bagel that you usually have with breakfast or for a midmorning
snack. And instead of just taking one cookie, from the platter, which is noticeable and likely will
encourage a colleague to tell you to have more, take three instead.
That's where the plan can come into play. You can then enjoy the cookies over
two or more hours, because nobody will watch how you eat. You can always have a few candies, one cookie or
a cookie and a half by your desk and that way it will seem as if you are heartily enjoying the holiday
treats.
Another strategy is to bring - bake or buy - low calorie Christmas cookies
and candies to work to oppose others that are there. Since eating healthy is encouraging, health-conscious
cookies will be fine so long as they taste great. A box of sugar-free Christmas chocolate candies for example will
look just as delightful as regular chocolate candies.
It's noteworthy that in a poll sponsored by the National Confectioners
Association in 2004, chocolate was the favorite food gift that Americans said they preferred to receive for the
holidays. The lowly and much maligned fruit cake was last on the list. The second favorite holiday food
gift was a fruit basket and a plate of cookies was third on the list, according to the Association.
For a Christmas party or a dinner, including Christmas Dinner, where larger
quantities and selection of food is available, the 'Eating on a Budget' plan means watching serving portions and
the choice of food selected.
At a party where more desserts and sweets are likely to be available,
sampling a few of the selections is fine. If resisting the urge to try everything is difficult, then do
so, but then severely limit second helpings. The same is true for Christmas Dinners.
One big difference is the food served during Christmas Dinner will be
heavier, so by selecting portions wisely, one can always say truthfully the stomach is full. And
indeed, after a sumptuous Holiday Dinner, your body is likely to be full from food and your soul full of joy from
sharing another memorable holiday tradition with family, friends and loved ones.
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