“‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, dieters were wishing that they’d eaten less than a mouse.”
Maybe that’s not quite how the poem goes, but many of us, by Christmas, wish that we’d done better in staying on our diets. If you’re dreaming of sugar plums but want a slim waist as well, we’ve got the tips you need to avoid gaining weight this year.
Breakfast: Many dieters think that by skipping breakfast, they can “save up” their calories for later. The problem: By lunchtime, you’re starving and more prone to binge on fattening foods. Eat a healthy breakfast that contains both protein and complex carbohydrates, such as Kay’s Naturals Apple Cinnamon Better Balanceâ„¢ Protein Cereal topped with Blue Diamond Almond Milk.
Snacks: Choose snacks that are low in calories, high in taste and protein. For example, slice up an apple and spread it with Artisana 100% Organic Raw Walnut Butter with Cashews. Or enjoy low-fat string cheese with whole wheat crackers from Back to Nature.
Lunch: Choose a mid-day meal that will fill you up, not out, by making vegetables the highlight. Combine salad greens with canned or bottled veggies, such as Tillen Farms asparagus. Add beans, such as Eden Farms Organic Garbanzo Beans, for protein and fiber.
Condiments: Be wise and be wary when it comes to condiments. From pancake syrup on oatmeal to salad dressing on your salad, condiments can win or lose your diet war. One brand to consider: Walden Farms, which has sugar-free pancake syrup at 0 calories as well as various zero-calorie salad dressings such as bleu cheese.
Dinner: Choose lean protein, such as Wild Planet tuna or Mori Nu Lite Tofu. Enjoy with lots of vegetables and a small serving of whole grains, such as Tinkyada pasta.
Dessert: ‘Tis the season to be enjoying sweets. Don’t deprive yourself. Try a small serving of good quality dark chocolate for dessert, such as Chocolove bars.