10 Ways to Avoid Extra Calories at Your Christmas Feast

Christmas season tends to be a time when even diet-conscious people overeat, racking up calories without worrying about it too much. Getting caught up in festive atmospheres at holiday parties can make people lose their focus on watching what they eat.

It's understandable that you want to celebrate with big Christmas dinners, but here are ways to make sure you put limits on calories.

Check out these 10 ways to avoid extra calories at your Christmas feast:

1. Get Plenty of Sleep Before the Feast
   If you don't get enough rest, it can increase your appetite and cause you to overeat.
   
   
2. Avoid Eating a Big Breakfast
   
   Eat a lean breakfast but don't starve yourself all day because it can influence you to eat a big dinner.
   
   
3. Make Buffet Selections Decisively on Three Items
   
   Do not take a long time to decide on the three items you want for dinner and avoid standing while eating.
   
   
4. Use Repetitious Reminders to Not Indulge
   
   Repetitious thinking is the core to achieving conscious goals. Keep repeating a catch phrase in your mind, such as "Christmas is about sharing, not overindulgence."
   
   
5. Carry Healthy Snacks With You
   
   By keeping nutritious snacks such as nuts or dried fruit in your bag, you can avoid wanting to indulge in extra treats.
   
   
6. Reduce Your Carbohydrate Intake
   Stay away from starch or eating too much bread.
   
   
7. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
   Not only can alcohol increase your appetite, it can reduce your willpower.
   
   
8. Eat Your Favorite Foods Slowly
   
   By eating slowly and pacing your dinner, you will reduce the likelihood of craving a second helping.
   
   
9. Tell Yourself to Avoid Too Many Sweets
   Sweets can be addictive during the holidays, so be conscious of limiting your intake.
   
   
10. Go for a Walk After Eating
    Walking or other forms of exercise can help burn off calories.