Tips to get back on track after overeating


Even if you went into the holiday with the best diet intentions, the siren call of turkey, stuffing, and buttery mashed potatoes can be hard to resist. But if you ate more than you meant to, all is not lost. Here's how to get back on track over the next few days:

Snack smart. Don't starve yourself over the next few days, but don't dive into the cookie jar either. If a craving hits, Lisa Sasson, professor of nutrition at New York University, recommends snacks that balance protein, fat, and carbs—like whole-grain crackers with peanut butter or a piece of fruit and a couple of nuts.

Distract yourself. If you do start jonesing for that last piece of pumpkin pie lurking in the house, call a friend or take a walk. By the time you're finished, the urge will be gone. "Cravings can last from 4 to 12 minutes," says weight-loss expert Stephen Gullo.

Lay off the booze. Alcohol has a ton of calories—and also lowers your willpower. (So a midnight trip to the fridge for some leftover mashed potatos and gravy starts to seem like a great idea.) At least over the next few days, drink sparkling water with lime instead, suggests weight-loss physician Howard Shapiro.

Get moving. It sounds simple, but if you ate too much, you'll want to burn some of it off. "When you take in more calories than you use, you're going to gain weight," says doctor and nutritionist Pamela Peeke. "If you overeat by 500 calories, make sure you burn off an extra 250 calories a day over the next two days." Simple as that.

source: allure

No comments:

Post a Comment