There’s no question that the holidays are filled with great cheer, fun, and delicious food. But with all of the candy, cookies, and fatty foods that accompany the holidays comes the risk of overeating and gaining weight during this magical time of year.
Here are a few simple tips for avoiding that dreaded holiday weight gain. Read on, and make sure that the holidays don’t affect your weight loss or diet plan!
1. Stay Active
First things first, you should stay active throughout the holiday season. Whether you like to swim, take spin classes, do yoga, or just go on long walks or hikes, you should make sure you stay active, even during the holidays. Burning some extra calories through physical activity will make you feel healthier, more focused, and help keep you on track.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Studies show that staying hydrated can help your metabolism work more effectively, which helps prevent weight gain. In addition, drinking a glass of water or two with each meal helps you feel “fuller,” which can help you control your portion sizes more effectively.
3. Exercise Portion Control
Don’t go for the biggest slice of turkey. Grab one helping of green beans instead of two. Even though it’s difficult, try to focus on loading your plate up with healthy foods as opposed to white breads and sugary treats. It’s also very important to stop eating once you feel full. When you feel full, your body is trying to tell you that it’s had enough – if you ignore this signal, you’re almost certainly going to overeat.
4. Avoid Mindless Snacking
Try to avoid having things like candy or cookies set out on the counter, where you’ll be tempted to grab one every hour or two. A few handfuls of candy or a few extra cookies can add up – and add pounds to your waistline. Keep treats and candy out of the way, so that you have to make the conscious choice to indulge in a treat – rather than just grab whatever’s around you.
5. Try to De-Stress
The holidays are often very stressful and filled with cooking, planning for guests, and buying presents. Stress is often correlated with weight gain as well as unhealthy eating habits. Make sure you get enough “me time,” and do your best to de-stress during the holidays.
6. Cut Down on Drinking
Alcoholic beverages are incredibly high in calories, and often include quite a bit of sugar, as well. If you cut back your alcohol intake, rather than over-indulging, you’ll be able to control your weight more effectively throughout the season and improve your overall health.
Follow These Tips and Stay on Track During The Holidays!
Although the holidays are often associated with weight gain, you just need to be diligent. If you exercise a bit of self-control, maintain proper eating habits, and follow these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your holiday celebrations, while still keeping your personal health and fitness goals on track.
