09 Dec Tips to Avoid Over-eating These Holidays
As we spend precious time with our friends and family over the holidays, sharing great food and drink comes with the territory. It’s a time to enjoy life’s abundance, but overeating can be easy amongst all the festivities and tempting treats. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy yourself without going overboard so you’ll be left with nothing but good memories.
Mindfulness
Be aware why you are eating what you eat – take a sec to think – do you really enjoy this food and will you regret it later? Perhaps it’s something you wouldn’t normally eat but want to indulge a little, make a choice to have less and really savour the moment.
Fuller for Longer
If you have a choice – try go for the foods that will make you feel full and also fuller for longer. We don’t mean eat so much so quickly you feel stuffed though! Low carb foods and snacks with protein and fibre can be as delicious and hit that spot, beating those cravings. Look for the fruit, veggie and meat (if not vegetarian) canapes without pastries and breads (unless of course they are made with low-carb options). Choose nutrient dense unprocessed foods as much as possible. If you are entertaining yourself or know you are going out, eat foods that will sustain you throughout the day so you won’t be craving by the time you socialise.
Seed Oil SA Super Protein Hemp Seed Powder
“I love this as a healthy, vegan protein option. I usually have a table spoon with my cereal for breakfast and the texture can be a bit wanting (it’s a little crunchy sometimes) but I still love it and it keeps me fuller for longer.”
The Red Basket Food Co. Banting Bread Premix
“Love this bread – apart from being very easy to make it tastes great and a great alternative for the coconut bread that I bake often. Light but filling. Will buy again!”
Eat Slowly
Take time to chew your food, it’s important for your digestion and signals your body to release the right digestive enzymes. The best part about delicious food is when you are tasting its textures and flavours in your mouth – so enjoy it!
Stop In Time
There is a saying – tie off the sack before it’s full. It’s a wisdom followed in many cultures to stop eating just before you are full. Your stomach needs time to process and may signal that you are full a little too late for you to avoid cramming that last tasty morsel down.
Emotional Awareness
Eating is emotionally comforting and is about sharing abundance and energy with others, part of the reason we like to share food when we socialise, it has so many layers of meaning. If you have cravings, be in touch with your feelings. Is it an emotional need you have? Is there some other way you can meet that need?
Don’t Arrive Hungry
Arriving at a get-together hungry is definitely not a good idea. We’re not saying arrived stuffed so you can’t enjoy the festivities, but have a small snack before, especially if it is the kind of gathering where you don’t know when you are going to eat. Often when we arrive we are offered a drink and when we drink on an empty stomach, alcohol is more quickly absorbed and has a quicker effect. If there are snacks available, have a bite or two before you drink.
Foodology Activated Nut Granola
“Very healthy and yummy nut cereal – you don’t need much if you combine it with chia seeds and yoghurt and berries for breakfast.
Wonderful product, I am addicted !!”
Life Bake – Grain-Free Crackers
“The best crackers so far for me. Very firm, so it’s easy to eat when you put cheese or jam on it, not too salty and with a lovely rosemary taste. Will definitely buy again!”
Healthy Snacks
If you know you are going somewhere that will overwhelm you with tempting food you may regret later, or know that you may not eat for a while, sneak a healthy little snack or two in your bag, something you love so you won’t feel deprived.
O’Natural Raw Chocolate Bar
“I love this bar as a snack. I often make my own vegan chocolate, which taste a lot more chocolaty than these bars, but this raw chocolate bar is perfect on the go and as a snack when you get the munchies.”
Nakd Cocoa Delight Bar
“Was a little nervous, but these bars are super yummy! I keep one in my bag for those craving days or no time for lunch days. Filling and satisfying!”
Sweet Things
If you are avoiding sugar, remember to pack your healthy low-carb sweeteners such as stevia, xylitol or erythritol when you go out. Take handy little pouches or a dispenser, or decant some into a little jar or tuppperware you can pop in your bag if necessary. Some natural sugar-free treats can also help you with a sweet craving.
 Health Connection Stevia Tablets |
 Spry Gems Cinnamon Mints |
 Health Connection Xylitol Natural Sweetener Sachets |
A Glass of Water
Studies have shown that having a glass of water half an hour before meals can cut your calorie intake, as it makes you feel more satiated and less likely to overindulge.
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