Experts sayif you don't have the right weight loss plan in place, you'll be three times as likely to go off your diet during the holidays. Lisa Hark PhD., author of Nutrition for Life, and the former host of TLCs Honey Were Killing the Kids helped devise our quiz which identifies the diet plan that matches your personality and lifestyle. Put it in place and youll get through the holidays without packing on the pounds!
1. Which holiday treat would tempt you more?
a. Salted nut mix
b. Chocolate Santas
c. Creamy cheese rolls
2. At a fast food restaurant would you:
a. Head for the salad bar.
b. Order the pie or ice cream sundae
c. Get the best deal for your money: jumbo burger, fries and soda
3. When you watch TV do you usually
a. Get up often for snacks
b. Plant yourself in front of the tube with a candy bar or bowl of sweets.
c. Just watch TV
4. When it comes to the holidays you look forward to:
a. Getting together with family and friends
b. Giving and getting gifts
c. Having time off from work
5. Which is your biggest goal in losing weight?
a. Feeling fit right now!
b. Looking good and feeling more attractive
c. Preventing future health problems
6. Do you usually snack when youre?
a. Bored
b. Anxious
c. Hungry
7. What would you be more likely to bring to a potluck dinner?
a. Hors doeuvres b. Holiday cookies c. Your signature pasta dish 8. Which holiday trimming would tempt you to take a second helping? a. Thick slice of juicy roast b. Cranberry raisin relish c. Potato casserole 9. Are you someone who: a. Enjoys experiencing new things b. Prefers instant gratification c. Likes to work on long term projects 10. You do most of your holiday shopping: a. In malls b. Fast on line c. By phone through catalogues 11. Your favorite holiday drink a. Rum punch b. Wine or port c. Egg nog Mostly As Perfect your grazing As someone who is social, spontaneous and impulsive by nature youre likely to eat on a whim and be tempted by luscious holiday buffets! Although Hark says grazing can be good because it helps you regulate your appetite, make sure youre eating foods low in fat and calories. At the holiday buffet Lark suggests pacing yourself. Start off with a salad, then sit own and relax. When you go back up - have one scoop of what you like -- and then fill up again on vegetables. Also, sit or stand as far from the table as you can-- and engage in conversation! Mostly Bs Focus on protein Youre a high energy go-getter, who opts for instant gratification and has a quick-fix sweet tooth that rules your appetite. Its why you crave everything from traditional Christmas cookies and chocolates to rich casseroles and sauces. The best way to curb your appetite for sweets is to eat more protein like lean turkey, fish or ham. Youll need at least 8 ounces a day. But dont deny yourself dessert! Studies show youll eat twice as much. Lark says: Stick to two choices and take sliver portions or only one cookie at a time. Plus, avoid alcohol: It not only reduces your resolve but increases your bodys sugar level so your insulin goes up and you crave even more sweets!
Mostly Cs Watch your portions! You pride yourself on your discipline, ability to plan ahead and to stave off your appetite. But Lark says skipping meals and waiting until youre really hungry means youll likely over-eat by filling up on bigger portions. To prevent this trap Eat four or five small meals throughout the day, use smaller plates so portions will appear bigger, routinely take less high fat foods, fill up on low-calorie vegetables-- and exercise before you leave for that big holiday meal -- it speeds up your metabolism so if you do eat a little more you wont gain weight!
