How to Refrain from Overeating
The holidays are just around the corner—and so are the buffet tables.
After all, the season calls for us to eat, drink, and be merry, right?
If only the holidays could magically remove all the calories from food,
then we wouldn’t have to worry about overeating and gaining weight.
But since that Christmas miracle hasn’t happened yet, portion control
may be the best way for you to refrain from overeating.
What Is Portion Control?
Portion control is basically limiting your food serving. It allows you
to eat your favorite foods without depriving yourself. It may seem easy,
but portion control takes a lot of discipline. We list some tips to help
you manage your portions during the holiday season.
Choose Your Food Wisely
Before you make a beeline for the buffet table, take time to review all
the dishes that are being served. This can help you plan on what to put
on your plate. Choose only your favorite foods and don’t waste calories
on any dishes you don’t love. Make sure to get large portions of
healthy foods balanced with small portions of the not-so-healthy treats.
Eat Slowly
As soon as you filled your plate with food, try to eat more slowly. Take
small bites, chew carefully, and savor the taste and the flavor of your
food. Eating slowly can make you feel fuller and distract you from wanting
a second serving. You may also go around the room and chat with your friends
or loved ones to prolong your eating.
Limit Calories from Drinks
Portion control is about eating smart. When you choose to indulge in holiday
drinks, such as cocktails and mixed drinks, you are wasting your calories
on something that is not fully satisfying. If you find holiday drinks
hard to resist, make sure to get the drink with fewer calories, such as
a glass of wine or beer.
Sharing Is Caring
If you’re at a sit-down dinner where the food serving is fixed, you
may want to try sharing your food. Pass around your appetizer, or ask
your partner to split a slice of pie. Sharing your food is a surefire
way of cutting the portion of your food.
Burn the Calories
Your holiday schedule may be chaotic, but be sure to make time for your
workout routine. This can help you burn off those extra calories when
you overindulged on your favorite dessert. Spend at least an hour on exercise
to prevent your splurges from showing up on the scale.
With portion control, the trick is to enjoy your favorite foods while consciously
balancing your calories to avoid overeating or gaining weight. The holiday
season comes just once a year, so it’s best to enjoy it as much
as you can!
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.