The holidays have arrived with all the high-calorie food and drinks of the season. It’s really no wonder why most of us gain weight during the next few weeks. Sweet temptations are everywhere. Holiday cookies, gingerbread houses, pumpkin pies, and more. Even healthy foods like sweet potatoes and green beans are somehow transformed into high-calorie dishes that will make you want to do nothing but fall asleep.
And don’t forget thedrinks. Eggnog and alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories. Want to fightthese holiday pounds?
#1) Remember the Reasonfor the Season
Sure, the holidays bringindulgent foods and drinks, but friends, gatherings, and family traditionsaren’t only about food. Before a party remind yourself what the holidayseason is all about—friends, family, giving, and religious traditions. Thenstay focused on the reason for the season rather than the plate full of horsd’oeuvres in front of you.
Also, stay focused on your fat loss goals. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come and where you’re headed. Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind. A few bites of food aren’t worth hours on the treadmill. Remember that the holidays can be a time of emotional eating. For many people, the holidays bring stress, family conflict, or depression.
If these issue start to wear down your will power then find the courage to address the root of your problems with solutions other than food or drink.
#2) Implement Strategies
If you want to keep your diet on track during this season of parties, you’ll need to pace yourself. Try the following strategies:
- Don’t go to partieshungry, be sure to eat a small low-calorie snack ahead of time. Otherwise,you’ll overeat.
- Wear tight-fittingclothes around your waist so there isn’t room for expansion.
- Before and after a mealchew gum so you won’t be tempted to overindulge in appetizers and desserts.
- During a party, don’tstand right next to the food table, but keep a safe distance.
- Choose your platewisely. Go with a small plate instead of a large dinner plate and don’t go backfor seconds!
Another importantstrategy is figuring out how to get in a workout between parties. Leavingroom in your busy holiday schedule for exercise will help you fight off theextra weight trying to attach itself to your midsection and rear.
#3) Make Wise Choices
Enjoy the goodness of the season, but in moderation. Trim calories where you can by limiting your trimmings-cheeses, gravy, sauces, creams, and nuts. Be smart about what you choose to eat. Don’t deprive yourself of all the foods you love or you’ll likely spurge and ruin all your good intentions.The holidays offer many food choices not available the rest of the year.
Because of this, you may want to overindulge before they’re gone. Instead of doing this, survey what foods are available and make your choices. Indulge in your favorites and leave the everyday dishes for another time. Only eat what you love, and don’t just eat something because it’s on the buffet.
Also, be sure to limitthe amount of alcoholic beverages you drink. As you likely know, they’re filledwith calories, too. Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholicdrink.
Follow these simple tips, and you will avoid holiday weight gain this season and start the New Year off right! Exercise is a huge part of the equation when it comes to achieving weight loss.
Source: Rene Serrate, U First Fitness