How to Avoid Snacking While Cooking

by Judy Weitzman, Diet Coach

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, many of you will be spending endless hours preparing for a big feast with family and friends. Did you realize you could realistically add 400 calories to your day by simply taste-testing? Ouch! Here are my favorite tips to prepare a fabulous meal without consuming too many mindless calories.

My Top Ten Tips to Avoid Gaining Weight While Cooking:

1. Brush your teeth before your start. Having that fresh mouth feel helps you to not taste.

2. Wear a surgical mask or a bandana (looks like your are robbing a bank) – helps you to be more mindful while tasting.

3. Eat before you start to cook; just like going to the grocery store, you don’t want to be hungry.

4. Chew sugar-free gum or suck on a hard sugar-free candy.

5. Keep a bowl of grape or cherry tomatoes nearby and nosh on those since they are so low in calories (you can use other chopped veggies if tomatoes are not your favorite).

6. Wear surgical gloves while prepping. The taste of latex is not so great and prohibits you from taking mindless tastes. Plus these gloves make it easy to cook with your hands – gotta love it!

7. Pretend like you are on “Top Chef” or some other TV food show – with the cameras rolling, you won’t want to be licking your fingers!

8. Wear a tight pair of jeans, as they will remind you not to eat. Along the same lines, try on something in your closet you want to get back into that is a smaller size. It will humble you to avoid noshing.

9. Ask your “significant other” or one of your kids to taste for you.

10. Write down every time you taste – be accountable!

By incorporating one or more of the above tips, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas meal without gaining weight in the process! Best of Luck to you, and Happy Holidays!

(published November 15, 2012)

Judy Weitzman, known as “Diet Coach Judy,” has experience in the weight loss industry that spans more than 30 years. She is the author of How to Eat When Life Gets in the Way. Besides her professional experience, she lost 50 pounds nearly 30 years ago and has maintained her lower weight. Judy has successfully helped her clients lose weight and keep it off by helping them change their behaviors. Each program is individualized and the daily support she offers helps ensure her clients’ success. To learn more about Judy, visit her website at www.dietcoachjudy.com.