It’s hard enough to watch our diet when food tends to be a big part of every celebration. For those of us in menopause, we have to deal with the physical and emotional changes as well.
The women of GEM looking good would like to give you a few of our own suggestions that for the most part, have worked to help us take control and maintain our weight during the holidays.
1. Regular exercise is an obvious suggestion for coping with stress and regulating weight, however, exercising the same day of a party seems to add that refreshed, glowing look while experiencing that little boost of energy and mental sharpness.
2. Have a mental game plan that you practice over and over again. Picture yourself making good food and beverage choices while at the party. In other words, conduct a dress rehearsal in your mind ahead of time, and make sure the live performance follows the plan.
3. Many of us tend to rely on the food at the party to replace a meal. We suggest eating a healthy, well balanced meal and drink plenty of water before leaving for the event. This should satisfy your hunger pains so that you can give full attention to your will power.
4. If you choose to have an alcoholic beverage, limit the number, add more mixers, and drink a glass of water between drinks. You might even choose to avoid the calories all together by drinking a non alcoholic beverage.
5. Try sharing with your significant other, family or friend your goals for the event and ask that they support your efforts to stay on task.
6. Once you get your sample plate of delicacies to satisfy your taste buds, remove yourself to another area of the room. Be sure not to hover over the food table or in the kitchen to avoid the temptations.
7. Try taking just a bite of each item on your plate, chew it slowly and savor the flavor. You don’t have to eat it all!
8. We suggest using a smaller plate not only during a celebration but on a daily basis for every meal. Just by reducing the quantity that you consume can help you maintain if not loose some of those unwanted pounds brought on during menopause and the holidays.
9. Last but not least, believe in yourself!
We understand the temptations everyone faces this time of year. Make a plan, stick to it and when it’s all said and done, pat yourself on the back for each successful change, no matter how big or small.