Mother's Day - Don't Let It Sabotage Your Weight Loss Success

[Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE]

by Constance Brown-Riggs, RD, CDE

Much has been written about weight gain during the holiday season. Some experts say as much as 5 pounds can be gained between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Other experts believe that for most people the bigger challenge is the weight gain between New Year's Day and Thanksgiving, which also includes Mother's Day.

Whatever the holiday, everyone can agree that the holidays bring many more opportunities to over indulge. The following tips are designed to help you get through Mother's Day sensibly -with everything in tact-blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Oh, and of course your weight!

• Do have the traditional Mother's Day foods you've enjoyed since childhood - but remember to enjoy moderate portions.
• Concentrate on eating slowly - by putting the fork down between bites, and savoring the taste and companionship during the meal.
• Choose to eat new foods or traditional family favorites rather than waste calories on everyday foods, like mashed potatoes or broccoli.
• Eat a small snack about 1 hour before you go to dinner so you don't arrive too hungry. Upon arrival at dinner, place appetizers on a plate instead of picking on foods here and there. You'll be less likely to overindulge!
• Scan the entire buffet table before you make your food choices. Choose small portions of food you really, really want.
• Remember to enjoy other aspects of the holiday, such as socialization with family and friends.
• Look your best! When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you're less likely to seek comfort in food.

For more great expert tips check out Confessions of the Food Police in the May/June issue of VIV Magazine.

Constance Brown-Riggs, National Spokesperson for The American Dietetic Association and Author of "Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes"

[David]

Great advice, Diana. Indeed, these pointers are relevant for all get-togethers and holidays.