This very joyful time of year is filled with festive cheer and decadent treats galore. From peppermint crinkle cookies to cranberry frosted cosmos, it’s easy to ditch your diet and indulge in all things sweet and delicious during the holidays. That being said, it’s crucial to avoid some holiday eating mistakes that lead to belly fat — and we’ve got you covered. We spoke with experts who point out these common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Not Eating a Heavy Snack Before Holiday Gatherings

Holiday parties and gatherings can be surefire ways to get caught up in a calorie frenzy, leading to unwanted pounds piling up in your belly.
“You can arrive at a Christmas party hungry, and for some, this often leads to eating far more calories than your body needs for the day,” explains Mindy Haar, Ph.D., RDNassistant dean of the School of Health Professions at the New York Institute of Technology.
To keep your calories under control, Haar and Alex Evink, MS, RDsuggest consuming a healthy, nutritious snack before heading to holiday events.
“I recommend a small but filling snack with protein and fiber right before these social gatherings,” Evink tells us. “Something as simple as a Greek yogurt and raspberry parfait or apples and peanut butter. This can prevent binge eating and help with portion control.”
Do not consult the menus in advance


Unfortunately, many appetizers and main courses seem healthy, but they are far from being healthy. That’s why Haar suggests checking the menu online before arriving at a restaurant or venue for a holiday dinner.
“It’s completely normal to splurge on foods that aren’t part of your regular meals, but sharing a main dish with someone else you’re dining with or saving part of your meal for lunch the next day can make sure you don’t overeat,” Haar adds.
Overestimating the number of calories you burned


Another easy but damaging mistake is overestimating the number of calories you burn during a workout on the day of a party. “When a full hour of walking, running, or cycling may have burned 300 to 400 calories, large portions and high-calorie desserts can very quickly exceed that number,” warns Haar.
Eat too quickly


Consuming your food too quickly is a common holiday eating mistake that can lead to belly fat. After all, there are so many dishes to try! However, it is essential to slow down your pace.
“Whether the celebration is a holiday buffet, a meal served at home, or a dinner at a restaurant, eating [slowly] can help promote mindfulness and eating fewer calories,” says Haar. “Since it takes 20 minutes for the brain to register that the stomach is full, slowing down your eating rate can lead to earlier satiety and leave behind part of this very large portion (or to take home).”
Treat yourself throughout the holiday season


Using the entire holiday season as a time to indulge – and telling yourself that you’ll make healthier choices in the new year – can seriously backfire. “This just adds even more stress once the holiday season is over! Not only that, but this mindset can lead to weight gain that will make your New Year’s resolutions much more difficult,” Evink tells us .
Little treats here and there can add up. It’s essential to be consistent in your efforts and establish a solid routine to balance out the days you have events. “Preparing, planning, and balancing the other days with a healthier diet can really help you stay on track during the craziness of the holiday season,” says Evink.
Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Associate Editor at Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and bringing readers interesting topics on fitness, wellness, and self-care. Learn more about Alexa
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