How To Avoid Overindulging During The Holidays

Rethink a gluttonous attitude toward festive dinners by getting an inside look at Ashley Horner’s mental approach to family get-togethers

The dining room, just hours ago covered in holiday treats and surrounded by chattering guests, is now clean. I finish drying the last of the dishes and look up at my husband. He catches me staring, drops the broom and makes his way toward me, putting his hands on my waist as he approaches.

As the fall weather, seasonal parties and holidays approached, so did all the calorific goodies. The holidays make it so deliciously tempting to enjoy all the party food and live it up at social events with sparkling cocktails. And why not? Our favorite sexy cut-off shorts and summer dresses are in storage, replaced by oversized sweatshirts that make it easy to cover a few harmless, extra pounds.

We’ve all been seduced by this line of thinking, but I want this year to be different for you. Instead of feeling pressured to partake in food and drinks you wouldn’t normally consume, it’s wise to remember what your fitness goals are and the foods you should be eating to attain them.

Of course, like everyone else I have foods I love and eat in balance, and I’m aware that we’re constantly being tricked into thinking every event must be commemorated with fine cuisine and oversized portions.

So, how can you avoid falling into the ‘food is love and inclusion’ trap this holiday season? Well, think back on your best holiday season and ask yourself what you really remember. Part of those memories may be of food, but focus on the people and experiences?

For me, when I look at that bare dining room table, instead of remembering the lush holiday food, I remember the explosive sex that happened after the party when my husband dropped that broom.

My wish for you is that you focus your energy on creating better, more memorable moments to immerse yourselves in because those memories will last longer and bring you more satisfaction than any culinary overindulgence. So go to the party and enjoy the people, places and sounds more than the compulsion to overeat just because it’s cold outside.

To do this you need to remember to identify your trigger foods. These are the ones that if you have them even once or twice they send you into a period of unhealthy eating. Think about what these foods might be before you’re confronted by them and resolve to avoid them. If you’re  entertaining others, prepare some healthy alternatives, or take them with you if you’re going visiting family or friends. I gurantee you’ll enjoy them more because you’ll feel good about eating them.

Every season, we get the chance to make new memories. Learn to coexist in a world that does not always share your interest in or dedication to your health. Host parties of your own where food is not the main event.

Five quick nutrition tricks to eating better:

1. Wear jeans to dinner

Huge clothing can promote overindulgence. You’ll eat less if you know you’ll have to walk around with your top button undone.

2. Watch how much you pour

A normal serving of wine is five ounces, but differences in glass shape, size and color can make it difficult to measure. If you like to enjoy a glass of wine every night, make sure an average-sized bottle of wine lasts you five nights.

3. Eat turkey over ham

As opposed to ham, which is high in salt and fat, choose a few slices of turkey breast for dinner. Avoid the skin and thighs because these contain hundreds of unwanted calories.

4. Don’t assume vegetables are healthy

Candied beets, cream of spinach, broccoli and cheese were once healthy vegetables, but have been transformed into calorific bombs.

5. Shop away extra calories

Wear your sneakers, park far away and outrun the lady sprinting for the last pair of boots at Nordstrom.

Find nutrition and diet advice and more in every issue of TRAIN FOR HER magazine.