Let’s face it, restricting yourself from starches, baked goods and eggnog during the holidays will more than likely take away from your holiday cheer. but then again, so will packing on the pounds. So, how can you eat, drink and be merry this holiday season and still battle the bulge? Celebrity personal trainer Mark Jenkins says the best thing you can do is prepare. “Plan on working out and increasing your activity level before going into your holiday. If you are dieting consistently, then one day during the holiday is not going to kill you.”
But Jenkins says there are a few things you can do once you’re at the table that will help curb your cravings too.
“Eat your protein first and try to fill yourself up on protein and fibrous greens, you’ll have less space in your stomach when it comes to carbohydrates, you’ll have less room there,” Jenkins explains.
Another tip he suggests is to opt for healthier options, “Instead of having white potatoes, have sweet potatoes because they have more fiber. Go for brown rice instead of white rice and that will lower the glycemic reaction. Also, try to have natural floods that disperse glucose, like cinnamon.”
Jenkins adds another helpful tip is to try and break your meals in half.
Lastly, when you’re looking for something to wash it all down, Jenkins says don’t go for the wine or beer but straight for the hard stuff, “I tell all my clients to go with the shots. Go with Vodka or tequila because there are no carbs in either,” he shares.
