The stress that accompanies the holiday season can increase our cravings for sugary snacks, particularly at night, when we’re tired and overwhelmed. However, smart snacking throughout the day and intelligent meal planning can be a great strategy for keeping your metabolism going, and avoiding the midday energy crash that can lead to less healthy choices.
How to Do It
Don’t skip breakfast! When you do, you end up compensating throughout the day with high fat, sugar, and calorie laden foods.
Eat a balanced, higher fiber lunch and afternoon snack. This will help avoid overeating at dinner.
I find it amazing that 42% of Americans eat the majority of their calories at dinner time! Starving all day leads to eating anything and everything later on!
Drink hot green tea in the afternoon or right before dinner. Studies are showing that green tea raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation. It also leaves you feeling full right before dinner, so you don’t overeat!
Plan your snacks. I plan out my mini portion snack or treat at the beginning of the day and so look forward to it at the end of the day. If I wait and start combing the cabinets without a plan, I tend to overeat, go for seconds, and not really enjoy what I’m eating.
Take a walk. Lastly, studies have shown that a walk right after dinner helps the digestive process, calms anxiety, keeps you out of the kitchen, and makes you sleep deeply.
I know you can do this! Make a plan for this holiday season, and report back on how it turned out!