If you are like me, you love holiday baking! This activity, however, doesn't have to be the downfall of your diet or plan to stay trim over the holidays. Here are some tips that have worked for me this holiday season:
1. Plan ahead for your baking! Start your day off with some physical activity and chop fresh veggies and fruits to snack on while baking. Treat yourself to some exotic, tropical fruits that you may not always buy since this will feel like a treat in itself!
2. Don't bake hungry! The smell of brownies, cookies, and candies will be a lot more tempting if your tummy is rumbling. Eat a nice, healthy breakfast and plan healthy snacks throughout your baking day rather than snacking on your confections.
3. Drink lots of water! If you are spending long hours on your feet in the kitchen with a hot oven, you may become dehydrated without knowing it. Often times dehydration is mistaken for hunger. Keep some water handy and be sure to have an 8 ounce glass been each batch of baked goods.
4. Remember that even little tastes count! Although licking the beaters or having a taste of batter throughout the cooking process may seem harmless, over a whole day of baking these little tastes add up to big calories! Have a designated taster at your house that will give you feedback if you need it. Spouses, children, and holiday visitors are usually more than willing to lend their taste-buds!
5. Have a plan for your baked goods! Sometimes just the baking process is too much fun to resist, but filling your house with tempting treats may sabotage your weight loss efforts. Hand made baked goods are wonderful Christmas gifts for neighbors, friends, your children's teachers, and various other folks you encounter regularly. Find an outlet for your baking and spread the holiday cheer!
6. Don't beat yourself up if you slip up a little! If you just can't resist eating some of your creations, don't let the guilt overwhelm you. Simply make time to fit in an extra workout or do a little extra cardio during your next workout. But whatever you do, don't try to "fix" your slip up by skipping meals!
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