First, keep in mind that Chanukah parties are at night, so during the day there is no reason not to be on track. If the kids are home or you’re extra busy with preparations, it will take some advance prep, but this should be easy.
During the day: Eat regularly. Many people make the mistake of “saving up” and skipping meals and snacks to “be able to eat more later” but this usually backfires since your blood sugar drops and you get too hungry.
Right before the party: Drink 2 full cups of water. This helps tremendously as it fills you so that you won’t feel “fake hunger.”
Other considerations: Is the party milchigs? Want a foolproof way to stay on track? Pop a piece of turkey in your mouth before you go and you’re clear! Isn’t it amazing how being fleishigs stops us while being on a diet sometimes doesn’t?
Is the party late at night, way past your dinner time? Consider eating dinner at home and just having fruits and veggies at the party. If you wait too long you will inevitably get too hungry and eat more than you should.
At the party: If it’s a buffet, treat it like a visual menu and choose what you want with your eyes. Stick to the “one plate rule” where half is filled with vegetables and the other half can be anything you want that’s on your plan.
If you’re being served, it’s okay not to eat every course. When you’re in a store, do you buy every item just because it’s there? Of course not, so apply the same logic to this (I know it’s easier said than done).
Stay busy! Hold a glass of diet soda or seltzer, chew gum, have a sucking candy... Keep your hands and mouth super busy so that you’ll be less likely to take something you shouldn’t. Other ways to stay busy include getting up to distract yourself, talking to those around you and helping serve and clear.
Bring ammunition! You’re going into a battlefield, so to speak (for the dieter at least) so come armed! Bring a salad or a healthy dessert, maybe even flavored teas to sip slowly and change the flavor in your mouth.
Make a budget: I tell my clients to create a “budget” before Chanukah starts so that they can have “controlled cheats,” which means you planned for it and budgeted for it (and enjoyed it), so it’s allowed. I usually say one donut and three latkes for the holiday. This can be used all at once or in small spurts. However you use it, don’t exceed the budget and make sure it’s planned out.
Remember, the goal over yom tov is just to stay the same. We don’t expect you to lose, just try not to gain. Finally, a friendly reminder: There are donuts available all year so don’t worry about missing out!
Chanukah is a time to celebrate but not derail your diet! Here are some tips to help you maintain or even lose weight over Chanukah.
Allow yourself a donut! Depriving yourself might make you eat more than you had planned. Have one donut or cut it in half and have it on two separate occasions. Donuts do not replace snacks: When you have your donut, don’t skip your regular snack. You still need the protein and fiber from a proper snack. Count the donut or the half donut as your treat, regardless of what time of day you eat it. Latkes: Blot the oil off of it first with a paper towel and count it as a starch at that meal. Don’t go to parties hungry! Time your snack so that you eat something with fiber and protein right before you go. Also drink extra water before attending any party. At the parties: Choose small portions of your favorite options. Don’t deprive yourself but don’t overdo it either. Once you have eaten, throw out your plate and move away from the food. A few things to know: Bagels have the equivalent calories and carbohydrates of 4-6 breads! Lasagna is a better choice than eggplant parmesan even though eggplant sounds healthier. This is because the eggplant is very spongy and is usually fried, so it soaks up hundreds of extra calories and fat. Stick to proteins (not fried) and vegetables whenever possible.
See recepie on the next page!
Alice Harrosh, Alice Harrosh is a Nutrition Counselor and Manager at Nutrition by Tanya, with 12 locations, including one on Main street in Queens! Alice knows that making healthy choices is not always easy, as she has been through the struggle herself. As an optimistic person, Alice’s favorite quote is: “It’s never too late to start eating better. If you have a bad morning, make it a better afternoon.” For more information on Nutrition by Tanya or the TAP (Tanya-approved products) food line, please visit www.nutritionbytanya.com or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, you may follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram.
Alice Harrosh, Alice Harrosh is a Nutrition Counselor and Manager at Nutrition by Tanya, with 12 locations, including one on Main street in Queens! Alice knows that making healthy choices is not always easy, as she has been through the struggle herself. As an optimistic person, Alice’s favorite quote is: “It’s never too late to start eating better. If you have a bad morning, make it a better afternoon.” For more information on Nutrition by Tanya or the TAP (Tanya-approved products) food line, please visit www.nutritionbytanya.com or call 844-Tanya-Diet (844-826-9234). For daily tips and inspiration, you may follow @nutritionbytanya on Instagram.