Turn away from the buffet. Move as far away from the buffet as you can. One study on buffet eating behaviors observed that diners with higher BMIs were more likely to sit facing the buffet, use larger plates, and pile the food on before seeing all the dish options. You might want to grab a napkin, too. Diners with lower BMIs placed napkins in their laps, used smaller plates, chewed their food more per bite, perused the offerings prior to serving, and did not sit near or face the buffet (3).
Think before you drink. Holiday beverages can contain an obscenely excessive amount of calories–with or without the alcohol. A cup of eggnog can deliver 350 calories, a creamy White Russian has 260 calories, while a medium pumpkin spice latte will set you back 380 spicy calories. Lower calorie choices include a flute of champagne at 90 calories or wine spritzers–a diluted sparkling water and fruit mixture, even a “skinny” peppermint mocha comes in at 130 steaming calories. And as a reminder, alcohol can also interfere with proper nutrition, recuperative sleep, hydration levels, muscle recovery, stress hormone levels, and the immune system.
Snug in their beds. Sleep is important for adults, eight good hours a night is typically recommended. Getting enough sleep helps control weight, keeps the immune system functioning optimally, reduces feelings of stress and stress-related illnesses, and helps put you in a better mood.