As we approach the holiday season, food takes on an important role.
Stress or holiday joy may lead to emotional eating, and many people reach for food as comfort.
In fact, 75 percent of overeating is caused by emotions.
So how can we curb emotional eating this holiday season? Here are some tips.
Pay attention to the balance in what you eat.
Aim for a diet of 40-50 percent from healthy carbohydrates (vegetables, fruits, whole grains and starchy vegetables), 30 percent from healthy fats (nuts, olive and sunflower oils) and the rest from lean proteins such as fish, chicken and turkey.
Eat what you like! A diet deprivation mentality can cause you to eat even more.
Just choose smaller portions of foods you really like.
Stay active so your body can operate efficiently.
Keep your same eating schedule for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It's important not to skip meals orwait too long to eat.
Do not arrive at a party famished.
You may be more likely to overeat high-fat items.
Have protein before going to the event, such as low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, turkey and fresh fruit.
Or, you may want to eat a small meal before going.
Limit alcoholic beverages to one or two drinks per day (if you must drink at all).
Consider alternating alcoholic beverages with low-calorie drinks such as club or diet soda with lime or diet iced tea.
Alcoholic beverages pack whopping amounts of calories - mixers and sweet wines contain 120-450 calories per portion.
Also, never drink on an empty stomach.
Alcohol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) by inhibiting the production of glucose by the liver.
As you go through this holiday season, try to keep these simple guidelines in place.
They can make the difference between a joyous holiday season and one fraught with food and weight worries.