Avoid holiday weight gain with these easy tips and tricks.
Image(s) licensed by Ingram Publishing
With the holiday season upon us, it may seem easier to give in to tasty temptations, and promise to get-back on track in the New Year.
Try these tips for a happy, healthy, and weight-gain-free holiday season.
1. Plan ahead or plan to fail
Eat before you go. Counter to popular belief, saving up caloric intake throughout the day so that you can gorge at night, can actually do more harm than good. When you don’t eat, your blood sugar levels drop leading to a desire for quick energy sources – namely refined carbohydrates, fried foods, and sweets. Our eyes are often larger than our stomachs, and we can also fall into the trap of consuming far more than we actually need.
Consume nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods to prevent this from occurring.
2. Step away from the table
Make an effort to move away from the food table to socialize. This way you are less inclined to snack mindlessly while chatting with others.
3. Back off on the booze
It may be a wise idea to pass on after-work cocktails or that extra glass of wine during holiday celebrations as a means to avoid holiday weight gain. Alcohol has the potential to add substantially to one’s daily caloric intake. Try drinking a glass of sparkling water between drinks – and adding pomegranate seeds can give an extra special holiday touch to an otherwise plain beverage.
4. Be selective
Scan the food table ahead of time, and plan out healthier options. Fill yourself with lots of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, while devoting a smaller portion of your plate to fried foods and treats. Wait 10-15 minutes before going back for seconds to discern if you are actually hungry or not.
5. Don’t ditch the exercise
Don’t wait until the New Year to get active. Maintaining an exercise regime throughout the holiday season makes it easier to maintain momentum come January, and helps combat weight gain.
