5 Tips To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s easy to fret
about gaining back the weight you’ve spent significant time and
effort into losing. Here are some tips to help you avoid putting
on much, if any, weight during your holiday celebrations.

1. FILL UP ON MORE SENSIBLE FOODS Foods that are high in fiber
or water fill you up quickly and help keep you from
overindulging on the “bad” stuff. Take an extra scoop of
vegetables and fruit when filling your plate, and by the time
you finish, you won’t have room for the other foods which are
higher in calories and more likely to cause you to gain weight.

2. EAT SMALLER PORTIONS No doubt, everything at the table looks
good, and it’s all you can do to keep from filling your plate
2-3 times so that you can sample everything. An easy way to
combat this urge is to simply take a smaller portion than you
normally would of those dishes you’re most interested in,
especially belt-bursting desserts. Split a piece of pie or cake
with your spouse, child, or another family member who may be
watching his or her waistline.

3. DRINK AROUND, DURING, AND BETWEEN MEALS Drink a fair amount
of water or other unsweetened beverage before each meal, as well
as during and between them. The liquid in your stomach will help
trick your mind into not feeling as hungry, which reduces the
tendency to gorge yourself on potentially fattening foods.

4. POSITION YOURSELF AWAY FROM THE SNACKS If you take a seat
within an arm’s reach of the snack table, you’re going to have a
tough time keeping yourself from unconsciously grabbing handfuls
of party mix, candies, and the like and picking at them all day.
By sitting on the other side of the room, getting to the snacks
involves a conscious effort into getting up and walking over to
get at the snacks.

5. TAKE AN EXERCISE BREAK If the weather permits it, go out and
take a quick walk around the house or block. If your celebration
is taking place in a colder climate, you’ll be more inspired to
quicken your pace and burn a few extra calories in the process.
If the weather is bad, do 10-20 squats, stretches, or other
brief exercise each time you go to the restroom. You only want
to do just enough to elevate your heart rate, but not break out
into a sweat. Chances are, no one will know what you’re doing,
and you won’t have to feel self-conscious about trying to
maintain your figure.

Finally, if you still manage to put on a few extra pounds, don’t
stress over it. If you’ve been following a sensible diet and
exercise plan, the chances are good that any weight you do gain
is going to come off shortly after the holidays are over.

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