How to Avoid Weight Gain Through the Holidays
Keep Shedding Pounds Even During the Christmas Season
Oct 20, 2009
The holiday season is approaching. Stay on track with weight loss goals. There are sweet and tasty temptations everywhere during the Christmas season. Learn ways to avoid temptation, reduce stress and enjoy the festivities.
Portion control is key to maintaining or losing weight. During the holiday season, it's hard to avoid temptations like Christmas cookies and eggnog. Most people indulge and gain a few pounds. What's the harm in a few pounds?
The reality is that most people don't lose the weight. It adds up. Obesity and being overweight has become an epidemic. Many of the world's health problems start as a result of gaining excess weight. A few pounds here and there over the years does matter.
Ways To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
It's okay to enjoy a treat now and then, but keep the portion small. Every calorie counts.
Simple strategies can prevent overeating at holiday functions.
Work-Out Before Going to a Party - Intentionally working out an hour or so before going to a party will raise the body's metabolism. An individual will feel better about how he or she looks and will usually prefer healthier food options.
Eat Before Going Out - Eating something light but filling will prevent overeating at holiday functions. Never leave the house hungry. Eat a small salad or a high fiber snack to curb hunger and create a feeling of fullness.
Tank Up On Water - Drinking ice water before a meal will curb the appetite. Choosing ice water or unsweetened ice tea instead of punch, eggnog or alcoholic drinks will keep calories in check and reduce hunger.
Choose the Smallest Plate - By using a small plate, it's easy to fool the mind into thinking the body is consuming a feast. If only a large plate is offered, consider using a napkin. Choose only those foods that can fit in the palm of the hand.
Outsmart the Buffet - If the dinner is served buffet style, again, choose a small plate if possible. Make wise food choices. Do not stack the food on the plate. Take a small, single layer serving of the food being offered. Avoid fried foods and any dish with cream sauce base. Also, be aware that foods covered with melted cheese may be high in fat or salt content.
Stock Up on Vegetables - Most nutritionists will agree, vegetables, especially raw vegetables, are considered a free food. Most vegetables are high in fiber, high in water content and low in calories. Avoid potatoes and corn. Those are starches and act like sugar in the body. Also, try to eat the vegetables plain, without dressing or dip. Most of the calories in a salad or vegetable platter are in the dressing or dip served with them.
Make Healthy Choices A Way of Life
Learning to count calories and control portions will not only help prevent weight gain during the holidays, but can also help with weight loss management every day of the year. Choosing healthier foods, staying active and learning to reduce stress will help keep the body well and fit. Over time, these strategies will become habit and second nature, making it easy to enjoy the time spent with friends. Focus on the fellowship and not the food.
Additional Resources
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