Tip #26 Holiday Eating

I've already shared my most valuable holiday eating tip, but let me go into more detail on that point:  only eat what is worth it.  I am not on Weight Watchers, but if you want to lose weight, that's the safest and best program I can recommend.  They use a calorie system that in effect makes you "budget" your calorie choices.  You can do some of the same on your own without knowing how many "points" or calories items are.  You know you are faced with lots of food choices during the holidays and many of them are high in calories.  Ask yourself before you take a bite.  "How much am I going to enjoy this?"  "Can I have this any time of the year or do I only indulge in it around the holidays?"  (I would never waste my calories on a donut around the holidays unless that was the only time of year I allowed myself to have one, but eggnog and artichoke dip, I only buy or make once a year).  I also don't try and take my favorite recipes and make them healthy- they don't taste the same, they don't satisfy the craving and leave me wanting more.  If I am going to commit to something that I feel is worth it, than it better be good and I can be happier with less.
So, that's the simple rule- don't wast calories on something that's not worth it.  If you are gifted a plate of goodies and they aren't simply divine, are they worth the calories they are costing you?  If you feel bad about throwing away someone's hard work, just tuck it away out of sight for a week, then chuck it when feelings aren't so fresh.  That is part of the plan- get those goodies OUT OF SIGHT.  Better WASTED than on your WAISTLINE.  And remember, ask yourself if it's worth it- if it is, enjoy!