The holiday season is in full swing and typically with the season comes the infamous holiday weight gain. Let’s be real, no one wants to gain weight during the holidays. But, it tends to happen thanks to an over-abundance of festive foods, treats, and alcohol. Don’t fret, you can put that holiday weight gain to a stop before it even starts. We’re going to talk about a few tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself from putting on the dreaded holiday weight gain.
When the holidays roll around every year, lots of us lose our routines. You don’t eat as you usually would during the day, you don’t sleep as much or as well, and you generally bypass exercising. Well, if you can stick to a normal routine that includes exercise and sleep, you can keep the pounds off. If you’re tired or stressed, your body may mistake those feelings for being hungry.
When you do go to a party or family gathering, there’s going to be food galore. Don’t stand near the food. It’s as simple as that. If you stand by the food, chances are you’re going to partake in more treats than you would if you were standing on the other side of the room. Limit yourself on the sweet treats (I mean, how many times do you REALLY need to taste peppermint bark?). Fill at least half your plate with veggies without the dip, fruit, nuts, or rye crackers. Eating a small meal before you head out to a party also helps curb impulse cravings so you won’t over-indulge.
Take it easy on the alcohol. Alcoholic drinks contain empty calories, which provide you with little to no nutritional value and can be a contributing factor in weight gain. Try to avoid over-consuming alcohol over the holidays.
Stay as consistent as you can with your workout routine. If you’re visiting friends or family over the holiday, use it as a chance to take a run and explore where they live, or pack some at-home workout DVDs. There are tons of apps and YouTube videos that are perfect to follow along with on your iPad as well. Once you break your routine, it can be difficult to get back on track. Even if you need to modify your current routine a little bit throughout the holidays, it is better than not being active at all.
If you follow these tips and tricks, that holiday weight gain won’t stand a chance of gaining on you—or your body.
