The holiday season is a time of indulgence and food seems to always be right around the corner. Lots of people lose track of their food goals this season, and it’s okay. But not to worry, here are 5 simple ways to eat less this holiday season so you don’t have to struggle through on your own.

Simple Ways to Eat Less This Holiday Season

Drink lots of water

You may not realize this, but dehydration can actually cause you to be more hungry. And being fully hydrated can help you feel normal hunger. One easy way to keep yourself fuller longer and not want as much food is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. It seems dumb, but it really will help you avoid eating a lot in the holiday season and in any time.

Avoid alcoholic drinks

Alcohol can be a common celebratory drink during holiday parties and events. However, alcohol is high in calories yet makes you more hungry. This means that you are likely to eat more after drinking. Avoiding drinking alcohol as much or avoiding it entirely will help you be able to eat less. You won’t crave food as much. Also, alcohol and food make you have more calories which is equivalent to eating too much food.

Use smaller portions

Portion control can allow you to enjoy the foods and indulgence of the holiday season while still being conscious of your food intake. Limit your plate size and food amounts when you eat. This way you can still enjoy your food and the feasts of the holidays while being conscious of what you’re eating and restricting.

Eat plenty of nuts, fruits, and veggies

Nuts are pretty common in this holiday season, but fruits and veggies can still be a part of the festivities as well. Nuts can be really filling, and if you have to shell the nuts first the effort makes you take longer to eat the nuts. Fruits and veggies are good for you and filling as well, so try to eat one of these options more often than the holiday food or before eating a larger meal to fill you up some first.

Keep a food journal – and stick to it!

Food journal keeping and keeping track of food intake and outtake can help you lose weight any time of the year as well as stay on track with your food and health goals. This will help you know to restrict your food intake and keep yourself in check. It also helps maintain your attention to what you are eating and burning for calories this season.

This may be only 5 tips, but still, great ones that you can use for the holiday season! Hopefully, these help you learn to keep making a purposeful effort to eat less and keep up with your health and weight goals. Good luck and have a great holiday!