With Christmas and New Years upon us, I wanted to give you some ideas to outsmart overeating and over drinking. Let’s face it, we snack, we eat dinners, we drink cocktails, and before you know it, you are suffering with a stuffed belly and a headache from too much alcohol. There is always an assortment of food and desserts that we have to try. Don’t get caught up in the moments and suffer for it later.
Things you can do to outsmart overeating:
- Never show up to a party hungry. Do not “skip” a meal to “leave room”. This is self sabotage! Always eat a hearty, healthy meal before attending any get together. Chances are you won’t be eating very healthy the rest of the day, so start off strong.
- Don’t use large plates or bowls. Make mindful decisions to serve small portions of everything you want to try. We usually eat many different dishes, so smaller, bite sized portions are the best way to go. You can always go back for more later.
- Slow Down!!!!! When you eat fast, your “fullness” doesn’t show up until after you have eaten too much. Eat slower, hold discussions while eating, and be mindful about it. Put your fork down between bites. Check out this previous blog on snacking tricks.
- Eat soup and/or salad before eating main meal.
- Be polite to “food pushers”. Tell them you will have more later when your fullness declines. Don’t fall for peer pressure when it comes to food. Recognize it for what it is, and find a way out of the situation.
- Stay hydrated; It helps the “full” feeling kick in. Check out this previous blog on how being thirsty causes us to overeat.
Things you can do to outsmart over drinking:
- Stay hydrated. I like to drink a glass of water with every beer I drink. If I am drinking heavier alcohol, I like to drink 2 glasses of water for every drink.
- When drinking wine, Sip slowly, enjoy the taste, let it linger on the tongue and put the glass down between sips. If we hold our drink, we tend to sip more and finish the drink faster.
Activities to keep from overeating and over drinking:
- Move away from the food area
- Get out in the yard with the kids; toss a football around
- Take a group walk after eating
- Dance
- Have fun!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Catherine Bares
*I am not a nutritionist. You should consult physicians when feeling ill after a day of too much indulging. These are tips that I like to incorporate in my holiday gatherings but may not be a good fit for everyone. The water to alcohol ratio works for me with light drinking. Don’t overdo it.












