Kick The Holiday Munchies

Mmmmm… are you inundated with holiday cookie, cakes, brownies, pies, candy, and tasty treats yet?  There is no such thing as a treat-free holiday season, but a question that I keep getting is how to stay away from all the junk?  I have some  tricks that I use personally, and I wanted to share a few of them with you.

You’ve got a case of the munchies… you are surrounded by cookies, and there is a chocolate pie on the counter subliminally calling your name as you walk by.  For those of you without the sweet tooth.. you’ve got a bunch of left over cheese and sausage hanging out in the fridge about to gang up on you.. I know them all too well.

Here’s the deal.  Don’t let that little voice inside your head take over.  It’s just a voice.  Be very aware of your actions.  Popping one cookie every waking hour is still a dozen cookies.

1. When it’s time for desert.. eat desert.. it’s the holiday season.. ENJOY it.  Sit down, relax, and savor every bite.  If you appreciate your food, it will appreciate you back.  Don’t stand with your head in the fridge or your butt hanging out of the pantry.
2. Brush your teeth. I love this trick.  If you want to stop munching, take a moment to brush your teeth.  Spend 2 min really getting in there and getting your mouth clean.
3. Drink Water. I’ve said this before, but often we forget.  A lot of the signals that we get for hunger and munchies are just really dehydration in disguise.  Drink water instead of giving into your temptation right away.. chug a glass of water and wait 10 min.  If you still want to munch, think about why and either grab another glass of water or revisit point number one.
4. Holidays are a time for sharing. Grab that chocolate pie off the Kitchen counter and bring it into the office.  Don’t put it at your desk, but put it at a common area.  You don’t need to eat everything… let others eat.  Think of it as a gift you are giving, not a piece of cake or a plate of cookies you need to get rid of.
5. Snack on something good for you. This trick works for many people who give it an honest try.  Did you know that the physical act of chewing actually increases serotonin levels in the brain and makes us feel good?  We are hard wired to enjoy food!  That’s crazy.  By being really mindful of how we chew our food and the taste of everything, we can control our happy levels.  Try chewing on things like carrots and cucumbers.  The sweet and fresh taste are hydrating and satisfying… this should not be looked at as a chore, but something you want to do.  Your attitude makes a huge difference… and you can eat AS MUCH AS YOU WANT.

Happy Holidays… from my family to yours.