Holiday Eating Strategies
Now that Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas season is in full swing, I thought it might be time to talk about holiday eating strategies to help you get through the holidays.
Let’s start pre-party. Before you show up at a party, eat at home. That way you won’t be as hungry when you get there.
This one can be employed just before you walk in the door. Keep a travel-sized tube of toothpaste in your car. After you park, take a small amount of toothpaste and rub it on your teeth and tongue (it shouldn’t be so much that you need to expectorate). Double benefit: your breath smells great and food just doesn’t taste right when it’s mixed with a minty paste so you won’t eat as much!
I don’t need to tell you about the many benefits of water, but if you drink two big glasses of water before you eat, you will be all sloshy and not inclined to overeat. Also, alternate your drinks with water (e.g. have a glass of wine then have a glass of water). That will keep out some empty calories!
Sometimes size does matter. For example, when you are at a party, always choose a small plate. You can visually fool your brain by filling up a small plate, rather than using a big plate that has more space which means if you don’t fill up the big plate you are starving yourself and more likely to go back for seconds and thirds.
Here is another size strategy. If I am at a party and someone brings food, I feel obligated to try it. But, I only try a little bit. I also score points if I make up a small plate and then share it with my wife.
Finally, the word “NO”. You do not have to try everything. You do not have to have another drink. Politely say no when you don’t want something. The key word is politely.
Holiday eating is fun, but it can quickly add up to a new pants size. Employ these simple, yet effective strategies to enjoy the food and the parties and the whole holiday season!
About the author
Dwayne Wimmer founded Vertex Fitness Personal Training Studio in 2001, excited to bring a new concept about personal training to the people of Philadelphia’s Main Line in Pennsylvania. Driven by knowledge and results both, while a strength coach at Villanova University, he worked closely with world class athletes such as Brian Westbrook, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, on strength training and conditioning for optimal performance. Dwayne’s client base extends much further than world class athletes. Along with athletes, he works with adolescents to seniors, and he’s a highly acclaimed and sought out personal trainer who has received numerous awards, such as Best of the Main Line Personal Training Studio and Best Main Line Personal Trainer.
A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Dwayne has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, with an emphasis in Coaching. Aside from personal training, he’s spent time as a physical education teacher, strength and conditioning coach, and a football coach, but has found his passion and home in the fitness industry, inspiring and reaching out to others. As a strong believer in continuing to learn, Dwayne has also taken classes at East Stroudsburg University toward a Masters Degree in Sports Management.
He can add author to his list of accomplishments, having created a chapter in the upcoming book The Soul of Success with Jack Canfield, renowned for the Chicken Soup series.
To get to the point where he is now, Dwayne has always been thankful for the support of his father, a man who always believed in his mission and saw the need for what it was that Dwayne envisioned. During his free time, Dwayne is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys viewing the amazing landscapes and finding good restaurants to enjoy that are off the beaten path. He also takes advantage of opportunities to travel and experience many other cities while attending fitness seminars and giving presentations about the industry he is so passionate about. As a way to give back to the community that has been a part of his entire life, Dwayne has created Vertex Fitness PUMPED (People United Making Progress through Education and Donations), which provides support to area non-profits through a community-wide outreach effort. At this time, they help three non-profits per year in the Philadelphia area.
For more information from Dwayne, you may contact him at (610) 525-6604, dwayne@vertexfit.com