How to Trim Down as Holiday Season Approaches
By Stephen R. Farris
It's not too early to start shedding a few pounds before the first big foodie holiday coming up soon. The last thing you want to do is tell Grandma you can't eat something because you're on a diet.
That'll just hurt poor granny's feelings, not to mention it might get you barred from her house for a while, and you don't want that to happen.
No need to worry. You can get started relatively easy, with no fad diet plans or starving yourself. So here are a few tips to help get you started, and to make Grandma happy by eating a big slice of her homemade pecan pie she prides herself in making every holiday.
Less Starchy Vegetables
Overall, vegetables are great to eat with every meal. However, there are some that are classified as starchy, and the others are non-starchy. So what does this mean? Well, it means that starchy veggies like beans, potatoes, and corn, have more carbs and more calories than the green leafy kind, such as spinach and collard greens. Broccoli and cauliflower are also non-starchy. Plus the advantage of non-starchy veggies is fewer calories and lots more fiber and nutrients. Eat a plate of them at mealtime, or go half and half, with non-starchy veggies on one side of the plate and a healthy protein on the other.
Size Could Matter
Why is it the bigger our plate is, the more we feel that it has to be full from edge to edge? Most of the time this is true, and when that happens we tend to eat more than we should. One solution is to use smaller plates and bowls. That way you don't overload yourself. Just make sure you don't go back for seconds.
Cut Down on Refined Carbs
Who knew that there was a difference in carbs? Well, there is and there's one type we should limit ourselves to. It's refined carbs. Refined carbs are your white flour, white bread, and white rice. All are rich in refined carbs. Not just that, but a diet high in refined carbs can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health-related diseases. So you might switch to the second carb, the unprocessed kind. Those include brown rice and whole wheat flour, which have more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
There are many, many more tips you can try in order to get rid of those pounds, but for now, let's focus on making -- and keeping -- Grandma happy this holiday season. Oh yeah, you might want to incorporate exercise with your new diet goals to help you get there faster.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denton, Tex.