Tips On Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

     The holidays can be a time for get-togethers with family and friends. While it may be the time for sharing fond memories, it is also the time when you are exposed to lavish buffet spreads, that can cause havoc to your self control. Let's face it, losing weight is difficult. And with Thanksgiving and Christmas only weeks apart, it may be challenging to avoid gaining pounds.

No matter how hard your resolve on how to resist temptation, it can be challenging not to give in if you are exposed to all the food throughout the holidays. According to studies, Americans probably gain approximately a pound or two during the holidays. Although this may not sound like a lot, studies have revealed that those who are unable to get rid of this weight throughout the year. With the extra pounds every year, it can lead to obesity and other related health issues later in life.

Families have well loved recipes and these dishes are typically prepared during the holidays. This year, prepare the foods with a healthier approach. An example is by substituting some ingredients so that the calories don't pile up. Try to use broth rather than butter, nonfat milk instead of whole milk, and nonfat yogurt rather than cream. By doing so, you are able to avoid consuming loads of calories. Likewise, try to steer clear of food additions like whipped cream, cheese, cream sauces, gravy and butter simply because it can add a lot more calories without doing much to the dish.

Individuals, who try to prevent weight increase in the course of the holidays, may have the wrong notion that skipping meals can help. However, skipping meals can only encourage overeating. Try to eat sensibly throughout the day, and choose healthy portions for your meals. Try to steer clear of appetizers because although it has little portions, it can be packed in fat and calories. If you love turkey, go ahead and indulge. Just try to avoid consuming turkey skin because it is high in saturated fat. Dark meats may be flavorful, but it also has a lot more fat as compared to white meats. Go for more healthy selections like chicken breast without the skin, and skip the gravy.

Buffet tables may be prepared at most parties that you attend. This will all the more promote overeating. In order not to indulge in a caloric overload, try to be picky with the foods that you eat. Choose the food items that you don't normally eat throughout the year, and skip the common dishes. Also try to choose the healthiest dishes in the buffet table, that can be fulfilling but much less fattening. Avoid sampling everything on the buffet table because you'll end up consuming much more calories than intended.

During this holiday season, alcoholic beverages will often be easily available. It is possible to easily lose track of the alcoholic beverage that you are taking in if you sip mindlessly, while sharing fond memories with your loved ones. In order not to overindulge, try to drink another beverage like drinking water or seltzer once you finish a shot. Alcoholic drinks include many calories and it is then best to limit alcohol intake.

Try to look good during the holiday season. Exert an effort in dressing up so that you will also be conscious in keeping your figure. If you suit up with figure flattering clothes, there is a tendency that you will not overeat because you may want to conceal some parts of your body which you are unhappy about. Socializing during the holidays can also mean more parties with food. Learn how to politely decline if you are given more food when you are satisfied. Try to eat slowly as well because it normally requires time for the stomach to signal your brain that you are already full.

With hectic schedules, it may be relatively easy to pass on exercising. However, it is actually the time when you need to religiously stay to your exercise routine. It is possible to also try to burn off more calories with all the holiday preparations that need to be done. While shopping, take more time to walk around the mall even if you are done shopping. You can also schedule a fun physical activity for the whole family like ice skating or skiing.

Many of us look forward to the holidays for a lot of reasons. Although it takes place once a year, it is still important that we take care of our wellbeing. This will entail much more fruitful years to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, without having to be concerned about heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and other related diseases.

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