Yes, you can avoid the holiday weight gain trap.
Gaining weight over the holidays isn't a necessary
evil that has to be dealt with in January. Incorporate the tips
below during the holidays and you'll be as slim as ever after the
holidays.
It's the same thing every year.
We indulge a little too much in our favorite holiday foods. Then
when we step on the scale in January we realize we gained 10 pounds
since Thanksgiving. It's no surprise considering we are tempted with
all kinds of yummy foods that are high in calories during this time
from pumpkin pie to holiday cookies. The good news is that it
doesn't have to happen this year. Take a look at some of these tips
to avoid holiday weight gain and incorporate them into your everyday
life.
Portion Control Is Your Best
Friend
Eating a Christmas cookie or helping
yourself to some stuffing on Thanksgiving is fine and this isn't the
culprit for your usual holiday weight gain. Instead what does cause
it is that we eat way too many cookies and stuff ourselves during
holiday parties and family get-togethers. The key to staying slim
during the holidays is portion control. Indulge in only one cookie,
not three or four of them. Fix your plate with just enough food to
satisfy you and take your time enjoying every single bite. Stick
with what you had on your plate and don't go for second helpings.
Keep Healthy Snacks Handy
Before you get too tempted by some holiday
goodies, snack on some healthy foods. Drink a fruit smoothie to
mellow that sweet tooth before heading to your mom’s house where you
know you will find a fresh batch of cookies. Eat a grilled chicken
salad or a bowl of soup before you head to a holiday dinner. The
idea is to avoid going to a holiday function on an empty stomach.
This will make portion control much easier and prevent overeating.
Monitor Your Weight
We often give ourselves permission to ignore our weight during
November and December figuring we’ll just go on a diet in January.
Don't allow yourself to fall into that trap over the holiday months
and weigh yourself weekly. If you notice you’re packing on an extra
pound or two, start taking control. Eat a little healthier and burn
a few extra calories, which brings us to our last tip.
A Little Exercise Can Go A
Long Way
Just because this is the holiday season and it’s cold and gloomy
outside is no excuse not to get some sort of exercise. Put on a warm
coat and go for a brisk walk outside. Pop in an exercise video,
especially if you spent the previous day eating turkey or ham or ate
way too many Christmas cookies. Go play outside with the kids. You
may even find the time to head to the gym if you really try. Just
get up and move around. Not only will you burn some extra calories,
but you’ll also be less tempted to indulge in sweets and treats.
See
Treadmill Product Recommendations for some of our favorite
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