HOW TO KEEP YOUR MEAL PLAN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

As social beings, we often celebrate our festivities around food. And in the month of December, it’s usually a LOT of food and a lot of treats in between meals. Which is why around January many people resolve (or feel a sense of guilt) to lose weight and get fit, the number one New Year’s resolution in America. Here’s my advice on making that resolution less burdensome. 1. Ask if your expectations are real for the holidays. Are you trying to lose weight during the holidays, or is it more realistic to maintain where you are at currently? With foods being so abundant between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and many social events taking place, it’s easier to try to maintain rather than achieve, though it can be done. 2. Eat before you go. Don’t show up to the party hungry! 3. Eat well when you are alone. We tend to indulge when we are together in celebration, and why not? Celebration is not done all the time but as a special event, so enjoy it. But choose wisely and healthy when you are on your own. 4. Drink water between beverages. Whether you have alcohol, soda, or anything sweet, make sure to drink a glass of water in between. 5. Snack on veggies between the treats. Have your cake and ice cream, but have your healthy snacks in between. This will make you full and consequently less guilty about the other stuff you have. So enjoy this Christmas season, and let the festivities begin...all month long! Dr. Adrian Pujayana contributes articles to the South Pasadena Review, and also owns a private practice in South Pasadena. You may reach him at www.southpaschiro.com