Wednesday, December 8, 2010

'Tis the season to be satisfied...

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.

It's that time of year - one where we might have already overindulged over Thanksgiving...and now the winter holidays are upon us.

For my family, we're visiting my mom for Christmas this year - and that means that we have the opportunity to have food that we normally don't get.  My mom's chile con queso, lemon icebox pie, awesome cookies, and fantastic Mexican food.  It's a cornucopia of coronary clogging culinary treats. (Mmmmm...butter!)

There's a bit of a conflict though.  With my younger sister's wedding looming in the spring, we all want to be at a healthier weight, too.  AND I've started to realize that when I eat badly, I feel badly.  Who wants to spend their holidays like that?  Not me.

But who wants to pass on every treat or food I've missed since over a year ago?  Also, not me.

That prompts BlogHer and Laughing Cow's monthly question: How do you try to eat healthy and manage your portions during the holiday season with everyone showering unhealthy food choices on you?

If you're like me, you're looking for a great tip and answer to the above question...

Here's my take:  Indulge.  Do it.  This time comes but once a year.  But don't be silly.

1) Don't indulge in things that you can get at any time.  In other words, pass on the Dunkin' Donuts that you can get any day.  Pass on the red and green M&Ms (since you can get regular M&Ms any day of the week).  Pass on fast food and poor unhealthy food choices that you battle each day.  Instead, focus on the things that you can't get regularly.  For me, that means the Little Diner in Canutillo, Texas, the chile con queso, and homemade lemon icebox pie.

2) Think about what you're REALLY hungry for.  If you really want the extra special cookies your grandma makes for you, eat them.  But if you're not hungry for them right then, pass them up until they make their next round.  Or take a few to take home and save for later.  But it's silly to eat something that you're not hungry for.

3) Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're satisfied.  This little tip isn't new to me, but I find that overindulging on the temptations isn't nearly as enjoyable as savoring every bite and then stopping when you're satisfied.

In my post about being home in the range, I wrote about how there is a range of satiety that I try to follow:
1 - starving hungry; the hungriest I've ever been
3 - hungry; when I drop to this level (or below) it's probably time to eat
5 - satisfied; neither hungry nor full
7 - feedback that indicates I ate a bit too much the last time I ate
10 - stuffed; as in what it feels like to finish a binge

So my advice is: try enjoying your favorite holiday treats, but doing so where you stay and maintain at a level 5, instead of being stuffed to the gills.  

Now it's your turn - share tip on how you manage healthy portions amid all the holiday traditions and treats and you could win a $150 Visa card!

Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry.  You should also Visit The Daily Dose of Well-Being hub to read helpful content each day and for weekly chances to win $100 at the “Play For Laughs” game. If you share something really great, we may even use it in The Daily Dose!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Click here for the full rules.  Please note that the contest ends on 12/28/10.

Want more chances to win? Visit the The Daily Dose of Well-Being hub and comment on the other funny bloggers and their motivation tips.

187 comments:

  1. I always try to take little portions of what I'm REALLY jonesing for and ignore the rest. That way, I've gotten to eat everything I wanted without falling into the trap of eating too much just because it's "there." Don't ignore your cravings! It will backfire every time. You'll end up nibbling on everything else trying to satisfy yourself.

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  2. I agree, don't eat what you don't really want, and don't feel like you have to clean your plate (darn you mother for burning that into my brain!).

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  3. My tip is that even if I do some holiday baking, I take all of it to wherever/whatever I was baking it for. I don’t keep any of it at my house. I will still eat it if I take it to work or to a party, but at least I don’t have leftovers to come home to!

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  4. I don't like to feel full all the time. (full=bloaty=lazy) So, when there is extra yummy food around, I like to forego nusance meals like say breakfast, or maybe lunch, so that I'm extra hungry and have a plethora of calories to expend on items I've been longing for. This doesn't give free rein to go binge crazy. Just saves calories for the real meaningful goodies.

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  5. Keeping a food journal and making sure I don’t go over on calories is the best way for me not to go out of control.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  6. tweet-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/12728565560770561

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  7. I drink plenty of water and to add flavor I add a slice of lemon and snack on apple slices and grapes to avoid overeating and overindulging
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  8. tweet
    http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/12736572319338496
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  9. I snack on fruits and veggies to help stay away from the sweet stuff.

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  10. http://twitter.com/Ziggywag/status/13341114190794752

    I tweeted it

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  11. With all the heavy, dense, rich food available, I just keep portions small and don't go back for seconds. I like sitting back comfortably while hearing the inevitable, "OH! I ate waaaay too much. I'm dyin' over here!" from friends and family.
    I don't deny myself anything, no reason. I just control how much of it I eat.

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  12. I like to snack more often, especially on fresh veggies and fruit. I also drink lots of water and if I do indulge, I take tiny portions.

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  13. I eat a bunch of salads and fruits before main dish. This helps a lot!
    natatheangel at yahoo dot com

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  14. my tip is if you bake use splenda
    if you snack no larger portions than your fist
    ask yourself are you hungry or bored- try to distract yourself

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  15. I am conscious of portion sizes and also how long it will take me to work off extra calories, Id rather fit in my favorite jeans than take another portion

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  16. Don't totally deny yourself the things you love. Instead, have small amounts of those items to satisfy your desires.

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  17. usually portion control size of palm but this year fighting cancer, had treatment and isolation last week and lost my salivary glands so no taste whatsoever
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  18. I try to eat smaller portions than normal so that I can partake of all the different food at the holiday dinners and parties.
    blondie_31971(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. I always try to follow the "80% rule". Eat until you feel 80% and stop. If you feel hungry later, you can always have a snack. But usually that 80% is enough. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  20. tweet:
    http://twitter.com/#!/benny8484/status/13492475511447552

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  21. I fill up on proteins fruits and vegetables so I’m not as tempted to eat sweets. I also eat before I go to parties and just sample foods while I’m there. While I’m a party I try to drink water to fill me up.

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  22. http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/13613535636496384

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  23. I do it all year round, anyway. I work with people who are always bringing in treats and temptations. Since I started eating healthier, I quite simply don't WANT that stuff any more. So, like you said, I only indulge in special treats that only pop up once a year. Even then, if I can find a way to make it healthier at home, I do it!


    krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

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  24. I write down every calorie I intake and that helps.

    rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

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  25. I eat off smaller plates. :)
    firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

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  26. I pay attention to my body's hunger signals and only eat to satisfaction, not to the point where I am stuffed!

    gina.m.maddox AT gmail.com

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  27. http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/13742825866788864

    tweet tweet!
    gina.m.maddox@ gmail.com

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  28. I take each situation as it comes first of all, I eat slowly, enjoy the company and stop when I feel satisfied.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  29. Tweeted here too

    http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/13752050928062465

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  30. when I make holiday treats I try to make things in 1 serving sizes, that way you can try a couple of different things but not fill up on to many desserts

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  31. I love trying lots of different goodies, so I make sure I take a very small amount so I don't feel deprived but I don't overeat. Also drink lots of water

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  32. Gotta say the finest way to eat healthy for our family is to stick a Mediterranean diet of pastas, fishes, olive oil and other necessary peripherals :D

    Please feel free to contact me at:

    sales4545 at gmail dot com

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  33. I just tweeted this giveaway here :D

    http://twitter.com/TimboSquad/status/13808211844927488

    Please feel free to contact me at:

    sales4545 at gmail dot com

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  34. I only eat until I am full; I don't go on eating after I am full just because there is still food on my plate.

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  35. I like your list. it is a great way to look at food. I am a little neurotic about food. i drive people crazy. I eat by a computer program that calculates the total nutritional value of the food I eat. I cant' remember the last time I deviated. Don't hate me, as I said you have to be neurotic.

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  36. http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/13812487023493121

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  37. i don't do as well as i should, but i try to remember that i don't want to gain weight so i have to stay reasonable with the food intake

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  38. It isn’t easy. I try to maintain portion control by eating half of what is put onto my dinner plate. As for sweets, I choose those I’m most drawn to and eat a bite of each.
    tandek589@yahoo.com

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  39. I am now 71 and just look forward to enjoying each and every holiday with my family.
    marybug2@yahoo.com

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  40. I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/14023728526524416
    marybug2 at yahoo.com

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  41. My tip is to use a small plate and start filling it with the healthiest choices. By the time you reach the high fat/calorie items, you won't have much room for them. Along with this you need to have a no-seconds rule.

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  42. Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/clc408/status/14064699721121792

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  43. I bring a healthy option to share at holiday parties so I know there is at least one dish I can nibble on without guilt.

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  44. I make sure I don't withhold the treats from myself, I just get the correct portion size so I get my fill and don't feel left out!

    Tarah
    tarah716[at]ymail.com

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  45. Sad to say, but I do not eat healthy during the holidays---what fun would that be! But I do start dieting after the new year.
    dolniaks[at]consolidated[dot]net

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  46. If I know I'm going to be eating at a party, I will eat light the rest of the day to save some calories to splurge a little.
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  47. tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/14825054839771137
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  48. Don't be afraid to take a deep breath, smile and say, "No, thank you."

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  49. My biggest problem is all the visiting during the holidays, every house has tons of goodies out for me to graze on. I found if I eat some fruit or a salad before I go, I will most likely not eat anything when I get there and if there is one thing I can't resist, I will have a small portion since I am already full

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  50. I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/eyzofblu63/status/14884277929910273

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  51. I just eat smaller portions so I can enjoy it all!
    bingomamanorma(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. I go ahead and indulge in the goodies, just making sure all my other meals and snacks are really healthy and low calorie
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. The holidays are a time to love, enjoy, and eat! I try to eat a well balanced breakie, lunch and dinner so I can indulge in all of the treats that are not around the other months of the year!
    paigewiley16 AT gmail DOT com

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  54. Watch the portion sizes and keep up with your exercise program.

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  55. I keep track of what I eat.

    hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

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  56. I have retweeted.

    http://twitter.com/mrcheapo/status/16188905992749056

    hellrzr(at)juno(dot)com

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  57. My tip is similar to the "eat what you're really hungry for one"--I only eat things that I can't make myself or don't eat regularly. My husband's family always has lots of bread, but I eat bread on a regular basis, so it doesn't make sense to fill up on that.
    ohkeeka at gmail dot com

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  58. I'm drinking more water and adding fresh lemon or lime juice.

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  59. I like to eat a salad before we go out to dinner at friends and family. I also like to get small portions and drink lots of water.
    Thank you
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

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  60. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/tatertot374/status/16656858336993280
    Thank you
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

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  61. i drink lots before and during the meal, water, not alcohol lol

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  62. I'm using smaller plates to have smaller portions. And, when I go to my parents for Christmas, I bring the whole meal to make it easier for them. I bring good food, not too much and appetizers/snacks are fresh veggie and fruit platters. No more chips and dips and crackers and ....

    sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net

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  63. It is imporant to only eat when you are hungry.

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  64. It is very difficult to eat healthy during the Holidays and sometimes i’m afraid I don’t – I do make sure to walk on my treadmill though!

    debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

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  65. i tweeted about the giveaway

    http://twitter.com/bellows22/statuses/16708911407046656

    debbiebellows[at]gmail[dot]com

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  66. I drink a bottle of water in the car on the way to parties to help me curb my intake!!
    Merry Xmas! Thanks!
    Janna Johnson
    jannajanna@hotmail.com
    janna@feedyourpigblog.com
    www.feedyourpigblog.com

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  67. I try to stick with the fresh/raw veggies to snack on. If I want to indulge I only eat a bite or 2.

    hebert024 at aol dot com

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  68. I don't go to any holiday parties hungry. I'll eat a small healthy snack beforehand that way I'm not starving and I don't gobble up everything in site.

    ksgillmore at yahoo dot com

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  69. Workout workout workout. If i'm at the gym I'm not eating and I generally don't want to eat as much crap compared to when I just sit at home.

    Movingmertle@gmx.com

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  70. Being allergic to everything really helps me. Knowing that if I indulge I could be risking anaphylactic shock. Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like a shot in the butt! Now, my allergy to milk doesn't cause the shock like my allergy to eggs does, but it does add another lovely side effect. You know when everyone is praying for the meal and being all thankful? That's when my intestines start talking and my friend who likes to scream his own name, FRANK, shows up. Could someone pass a celery stalk please?

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  71. I try to load up on the more healthy items before eating say the mashed potatoes or desserts. That way I don't eat as much of those.

    kport207 at gmail dot com

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  72. I never accept anything to take home from a party and I avoid alcoholic drinks so I don’t have to worry about those empty calories.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  73. tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/eswright18/status/17352315077926914
    eswright18 at gmail dot com

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  74. I make sure to never skip meals and and to eat meals that are healthy and filling. Making wise choices is always easier for me if I don't feel like I'm starving.

    dogsrock at insightbb dot com

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  75. Small portions and nothing larger that a desert plate works for me!!!

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  76. I eat more salad and veggies and avoid the more fattening foods. I also choose water and green tea to drink.
    dawns_horizen@yahoo.com

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  77. I am in total agreement with you. I eat very carefully the whole month of December so I can have Christmas treats.
    smchester at gmail dot com

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  78. i try to always leave a couple of bites of whatever i'm eating. that helps me to cut back a little
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

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  79. I try to fill up on soup for the holidays intime@myself.com

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  80. I eat a big healthy dinner before I go out to parties so I'm not as hungry.

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  81. I totally agree with #1 - skip the "anytime" foods in favor of sampling the "only at the holidays" foods.

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  82. I try to share everything with someone, so that I get to try many things...but only halves. Thanks! sbcashortie at hotmail dot com

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  83. I eat slowly so my brain receives the message when it's full before I overeat!

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  84. Well, my husband and I don't normally get into all of the hub bub of it all so we don't have anyone showering anything on us...except for the bill people...we're always, neverendingly showered with those darn bills. So we don't really need to worry about how much we eat and of what. However, that being said, we went to a dealio this evening and they were serving cookies and the like...and to be quite honest with ya...none of it looked all that great. So, how do I control myself? I'm not sure....I'm honestly not.

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  85. I keep fresh veggies washed, cut and ready to munch on instead. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

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  86. I maintain healthy portions by drinking a big glass of water before a meal, and filling up on veggies and fruit before other treats. honeypie411 at yahoo dot com

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  87. I make sure I snack on healthy veggies before going to parties and try really, really, really hard to only eat one or two small treats at any outing.

    teechbiz at gmail dot com

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  88. I don't eat all the foods offered just to be social, cordial or whatever. I make sure to take only small portions first and then only finish what I really like. I skip things like sugary sodas all together.

    dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

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  89. Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/DchrisG3/status/18908042531708928

    dchrisg3[at]gmail[dot]com

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  90. I get what I really want first - that way I'm not craving it all night! Then, I fill my plate with less-guilty pleasures. It's definitely NOT easy though! And I don't hang out near the food - it's too easy to keep snacking away mindlessly!
    wilburnnewsome atyahoodotcom

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  91. To eat healthy during the holiday season I keep a veggie tray & fruit tray handy for snacking – easy to just grab a small piece of fruit or a few cut veggies! To help manage portions I don’t use large serving spoons – just regular spoons.

    chlorinebrain at sbcglobal dot net

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  92. To try to cut back on my holiday indulgences, I drink a lot of water before and during parties so my stomach stays fuller the entire time, and I limit myself to one of any treat or one plateful from dinners and buffets. In addition, I try to stick by the rule that for everyone on cookie or fried food I eat, I have to eat a healthy snack like fresh fruits and veggies to keep things in balance. Thanks!

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

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  93. I tweeted: http://twitter.com/guettel78/status/19091667357278208

    gkaufmanss@yahoo.com

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  94. I fill up on a healthy meal at home before I go to any holiday party to prevent myself from indulging with the bad treats.

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  95. I have learned to always bring a dish when going to a holiday party. Then, I seem like a gracious guest and know that there is at least one healthy option available!

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  96. I found that the time I overeat too much is at dinner (especially when there is pasta or potatoes), so I've taken to eating on a bread plate....seriously. It sounds like a tiny portion, but I fill the plate so I feel like I've got a whole plate full, and usually it's plenty of food. If I get hungry later, I have a healthy snack. Works well at parties too. I let myself have whatever I want as long as it can fit on one small size plate.

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  97. For the holidays, I don’t indulge except for Christmas day. I promise myself that if I’m good all December, on Christmas I won’t be counting calories or feeling guilty for having an extra nut horn, or two. I also refuse to take home my mom’s leftovers because I know that’s just too much temptation to have in my refrigerator. While she pouts a bit, I know she understands my plight.

    I also keep some low-calorie snacks on hand at work because there’s always cookie trays and goodies the weeks leading up to Christmas. From my lips straight to my hips and I swear it’s always worse during the holidays.

    And when I'm Christmas shopping, I always bring along a bottle of water. The stores are hot and I know that I'd be tempted to stop for a soda or grab a quick fast-food snack..the water helps fill me up, keep me cool and it's much better for me than soda.

    shel704 at aol dot com

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  98. http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/19254989461393409

    shel704 at aol dot com

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  99. I usually bring a fresh fruit & veggie tray to holiday dinners, and a nice light airy dessert. Half of my plate ends up being fruits & veggies so there's not a whole llot of room left for the heavy, fat & calorie laden dishes :)

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  100. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/19437315969523712

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  101. I have a rule for myself…before I go for the junk food, I will eat something healthier and then wait 20 minutes before indulging. So…if somebody brings over lasagna, I will have a banana and some salad before gorging myself on the fattening food!

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  102. Water! Water! Water! Lots of it. I put pieces of fruit in my water makes it sweet and easy to gulp down :) Also I try and keep in mind that treats are just that, treats and you cant make a meal out of them

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  103. I make sure I don't keep any sweets that I make over the holidays in my house. We eat a few and then drop them off at someone else's house or a work potluck! Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com

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  104. It try to choose the treats I really want and then ignore the rest. I also increased by exercise this month so I could indulge with out feeling too guilty.

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  105. My tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/19479680356720640

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  106. When making my selections, I do not deny myself --I get small portions, only a couple of bites. I drink lots of water to cleans the palate. And I eat slowly to ensure that I savor each bite.

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  107. I guess I'm "lucky" enough not to have a severe sweet tooth.... most people think there is something wrong with me!!! The sweetest treat I eat this time of year is cranberry sauce... and I have to be really careful becuase I'm addicted to it. I also drink a lot of water (which is also good when you're inside overly heated rooms) and tell myself often that dusting/cleaning/vacuuming is cardio!

    rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

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  108. I'm not an over-eater to begin with, so indulge in the holiday cookies/treats and don't feel bad about it.

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  109. When attending a Holiday potluck, I put a small amount of everything on my plate. That was I can try everything, get a regular helping of what I really love, and I don't fell obligated to eat a big helping of this I don't really enjoy.

    hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

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  110. I try to eat healthy, low calorie, high-protein snacks at 11AM and 4PM. It works two ways, it keeps the metabolism high and keeps me feeling more full until proper dinner time.

    scoopster(nospam)at yahoo dot com

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  111. Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/LuigiFranco/status/19513009923690496


    scoopster(nospam)at yahoo dot com

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  112. I try to keep plenty of fruits and veggies on hand already cut up so we reach for those instead of the sugary goodies!

    sweepyhead at gmail dot com

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  113. I do this by filling up on salad before every meal. msmith572@yahoo.com

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  114. Tweet: http://twitter.com/samasam/status/19527268846010368

    msmith572@yahoo.com

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  115. Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2010/12/reviews-by-fun-pants-tis-season-to-be.html

    msmith572@yahoo.com

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  116. I utilize the power of sandwich baggies when on the go. I simply put appropriate portions in the baggies, grab and go! No eating out or stuffing my face with a whole box of Cheeze-its.

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  117. I eat veggies to fill me up first.

    kaleidoscopequeen at gmail dot com

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  118. Tips for healthy portions: well, the recession has hit my family hard for the past few years. We don't have loads of food on the table. Just enough and a little more. No having leftovers for days after. We also have games, movies and conversation so we don't really need to stuff ourselves with food.

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  119. I like to drink a glass of water about 10 minutes before eating. Fills the stomach and helps me control portions. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  120. I just try to eat veggies when I get hungry. I tend to want to eat the goodies and snacking while baking is a major problem for me. I try to keep veggies like broccoli and carrots around to snack on when I want something. Doesn't always work but I do try to do it.

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  121. I don't know how to post a link to a particular tweeted comment (I've never really bothered with Twitter much...but oddly have a large following). But it's my last tweet...that won't change. Ha.

    http://twitter.com/#!/BeingShortnFat

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  122. I KEEP IT SIMPLE BY REMEMBERING WHAT I EAT & AVOIDING WHAT I HALF TO. THERE WAS ONCE A TIME WHERE I ACTUALLY MEASURED MY FOOD. kytah00@yahoo.com

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  123. TWITTERED ALSO twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/19619928936022016 kytah00@yahoo.com

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  124. My downfall usually comes at the big family dinners. I have learned to take just a small spoonful of anything that interests me. It fills my plate up. I drink water and eat slowly. When I'm comfortably full, I'm able to stop. I am satisfied, because I haven't denied myself anything.

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  125. I eat healthy when friends are bringing me all sorts of goodies by eating a healthy meal first, before parties or entertaining. If I’m not hungry, I won’t nibble the goodies!

    mickeycoutts at yahoo dot com

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  126. I tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/mickeycoutts/status/19637332357423104

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  127. I try not to go back for seconds, and limit myself to 1 piece of pie
    sweokgrl@gmail.com

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  128. my tweet
    sweokgrl@gmail.com
    http://twitter.com/bdiane34/status/19642874320654336

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  129. Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!
    Would love, love, LOVE to win this!
    Happy New Year!
    =]

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  130. i go with the rule that everything is fine in moderation. having one cookie is better than loading up on 7. i also use a smaller plate and avoid going back for seconds!

    ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  131. By staying away from the goodies and fattening things such as baked goods candy and things loaded with butter sugar or cream and think in your head- I'll pay for this later and maybe that will motivate you. Try drinking beverages more than eating to help you feel fuller

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  132. I always try to eat a filling breakfast, usually oatmeal, and a filling lunch with lots of protein and fiber so I'm less likely to snack. And if you are at a party, start with the unique items that you wouldn't get any other time of the year.
    april dot vrugtman at gmail dot com

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  133. I try to do more cleanup (dishes and such) than sitting at the table at meals. eat, get up, and no seconds.

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  134. I try to have a healthy snack for every unhealthy one I eat.I try to keep fruits and veggies around as well as cheese and crackers to not be tempted to just eat the junk.Thanks!
    lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  135. Although we have the goodies in the house for the get-togethers, I send the majority of them home with my daughter, who does have the extra appetites in her house! That does not mean, unfortunately, that I might not indulge somewhat while they are here.

    cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com

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  136. I take a very small portion of everything. If I'm still not quite full I go back for seconds on the things I really love. If I happen to get something on my plate I don't care for it gets covered up when I go back for seconds and no one ever notices :)

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  137. Tweet - http://twitter.com/willitara/status/19809682398908416

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  138. I try not to eat as much during the day if I know I will be attending a party later...that way I can try out the goodies when I get there.

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  139. The only way to avoid overeating during the holidays would be to have nothing good in the house. I let myself enjoy it and start over at New Years.

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  140. My strategy is to stay healthy all year round and indulge around the holiday season. I like to work out and I tend to eat clean year round, so when the holidays roll around I don't feel bad about sampling from the goody tray.

    My wife lets herself eat off of one medium sized plate and doesn’t go for seconds.

    pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  141. (http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/19828098216235009)

    pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  142. The best way I found for portion control is to load my plate up with veggies and to only eat sweets if it is something I love and can only get at this time of the year. M&Ms are a no, but my mom's coffee cake that is major holidays only is a yes.

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  143. I really try to limit my portions because bottom line: I can't not eat all the wonderful food laying out infront of me. Plus I can't hurt my mom's feelings who just spent an entire day cooking it. So I drink lots of water, and limit the amount of food and deserts I eat.

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  144. I eat rich foods in moderation

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

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  145. tweet

    http://twitter.com/MistySunrise/status/19858086424481794

    itsjustme62613 at gmail.com

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  146. I'll just eat a bit of everything and don't go for seconds. .

    ocamcaro {at} gmail {dot} com

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  147. make sure your food doesn't go up in height on your plate. then you have too much.

    lauren51990 at aol dot com

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  148. I try to practice portion control and only eat until I'm full! This involves eating slowly and pausing frequently to take stock of the situation!

    lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com

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  149. I like to eat fresh fruit and veggies
    Drinking lots of water.
    Thanks Cathy Truman
    kbtruman(at)aol(dot)com

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  150. i eat alot of salad!!!! and stay out fot he kitchen!!!

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  151. small portions and no dessert!
    ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  152. I have no problem with it because I don't do holiday baking or bring junk into the house. We eat the same every day because we want to stay healthy. When you eat salad and eggs and lean meat and veggies you don't go overboard. Simple and from scratch.


    spencer1953 at gmail dot com.

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  153. I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/19894409013239808

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  154. I am the wrong person to ask as I WAY overindulged this past week. BUT I try to drink a lot of water and I have taken to using smaller plates for portion control.

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  155. http://twitter.com/miriama59/status/19905973988630528

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  156. While trying to drink a lot of water, and always eating something before going to a party I seem to fail when I try to resist temptation, so find it easier to practice avoidance.

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  157. I just exercise portion control and have 1 spoonful of each item I want.

    txhottie_86 at yahoo dot com

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  158. My best tip is to eat a healthy meal before going to a party so that you won't eat so much unhealthy food at the party.

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  159. I can't say I have any great tips. I cut back on the amount of parties I went to this year because my self control is somewhat lacking. I picked the ones that meant the most to me. Keeps me in line.
    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  160. I tweeted about this giveaway. http://twitter.com/elangomatt/statuses/19921129229524992

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  161. Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/19921284062248962
    chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  162. I try to avoid the sweets, and stick to the fresh fruit and veggies - then I don't worry about the portions! For any of the “bad” foods I indulge in, I limit portions to no more than a 1/2 cup. I actually have a 1/2 cup measuring cup in my purse that I've had in there for awhile now, so I can eyeball it pretty accurately.

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  163. http://twitter.com/simplydab/status/19925890297233408

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  164. My portion control is keeping foods out of my house that I would eat too much of. Thanks for the contest.

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  165. blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2010/12/win-150-from-blogher-laughing-cow.html

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  166. I always eat normal portions, but during the holidays I am not vigilant about what foods these portions are made of. During the rest of the year I am on a strict,strict diet

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  167. I eat veggies and exercise daily to balance out the extra sweets.

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  168. I always try to eat a healthy meal at home before I go out to a holiday party or get together. This way I won't be so hungry that I will eat too much junk food while I'm out.

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  169. I just take small portions of the indulgent foods I love and then fill up on the healthier options!

    nesta 67 {at} live dot com

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  170. tweet http://twitter.com/#!/LuckyJinxy/status/19965839155396609

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  171. I do really try to limit what I indulge in but gosh darnit, it's just not always that easy. I will snack on raw fruits and veggies (no dips) before a meal. That usually works to make me full and not go back for seconds. I will only take one bite of a dessert just to savor the flavor. Like my mom always said," Once on the lips, forever on the hips!"


    mrssquigg @ gmail.com

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  172. Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/mrssquigg/status/19968336074899456


    mrssquigg @ gmail.com

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  173. Work out like clock work every single morning before you do anything else. No e-mail, no walking the dog, no getting the day ready. If you have to wake up early. That workout will set the tone for the rest of the day. You won't want to overeat because you'll remember how hard you worked that morning.

    msurosey@yahoo.com

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  174. Tweet
    http://twitter.com/mail4rosey/status/19973742541152256

    msurosey@yahoo.com

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  175. I take small amounts of my favorite foods and workout in the morning so it dont get pushed aside

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  176. I try to eat healthy over the holidays by not depriving myself of treats but limiting the portions. I drink lots of water everyday so I won't overeat at meals because I get full faster.

    longbarb1@aol.com

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  177. I like to eat veggies and like my water so that helps alot! I eat small meals offen!
    great giveaway thank you so much!
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  178. Tweeted too
    http://twitter.com/#!/latishajean/status/19991775615647744
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  179. You just have to make up your mind to sample the treats and stick to it!

    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

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  180. tweet

    http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/19994753848311809

    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

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  181. I give in slowly to temptation but really think about my actions that way I'm not using the holidays as an excuse!

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  182. I manage healthy portions by only eating what I want the most and also by using smaller dishes and a little fork :D

    justine417@comcast.net

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  183. I tweeted

    http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/20017781407748096

    justine417@comcast.net

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  184. I will substitute what I am craving for a meal like breakfast or lunch. I get to indulge my craving without blowing my calorie quota for the day.

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