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How do you avoid food babies and overeating during the holidays? Honestly, good question.

The holidays are centered around eating and spending time with your friends and family, making it a little difficult to not overeat. And even when the holidays are over…there’s all the leftovers.

We know that holiday food isn’t normally the healthiest, and most of the time, you’re left feeling overly full and a little sleepy afterward. Now, if you’re over getting a food baby whenever you eat during the holidays, like myself, then let’s talk about how we’re going to move past that.

Anti-Food Baby Tips

  1. Don’t show up starving: When you wait all day to eat, you’re more likely to overindulge when you finally do.
  2. Drink water: Believe it, or not, thirst can mask itself as hunger. Drinking a glass of water before eating can help you eat a more appropriate amount. In other words, you have a better chance of eating a portion size that matches your hunger level.
  3. Don’t eat mindlessly: This is especially difficult if the party your at has appetizers (my personal weakness). Don’t hover the food! The longer you stand around, the more opportunity to keep grabbing at appetizers. This could also be a great time to implement tip #4. If there’s a vegetable or fruit tray–fill your plate with that, rather than the chips, dip, and fried food.
  4. Portion out more fruits/vegetables: Eating more fruits and vegetables is obviously healthier, but they can also keep you satisfied longer.
  5. Take your time: You might be surprised that when you eat slower, you’ll eat less. Your stomach has more time to let your brain know its full, and then your brain can tell you. When you eat faster, it’s harder for your stomach to recognize when it’s truly full.
  6. Don’t be afraid to indulge: Lastly, and most importantly, don’t overly restrict yourself (that’s not healthy either). Everything in moderation, but you probably deserve dessert anyway!

But really, the holidays aren’t meant to be stressful. They’re meant to be fun and to be spent with those you love–so don’t focus on the food as much as the people you’re with.

Written by GUADS staff member Toni with contributions from www.gardenoflife.com