How To Prevent Weight Gain During The Holidays
A lot of people steadfastly prepare and double up their efforts to lose weight just in time for the holidays, only to gain it back after nights of eating out and partying. Yes, the holidays. Almost everyone loves them – the atmosphere, the gatherings, the food. Not to mention the food.
It’s The Food!
If there’s one thing that most cultures have in common, it is that they celebrate their special occasions with food – delicious and wonderful food, at that. Throw in some drinks and the holidays become the perfect weight gain plan. So how do you keep those pounds off, while still enjoying the whole season and the delicacies that come along with it?
Control Your Portions
You’re having thanksgiving dinner at your mom’s house, and you have six main dishes in front of you. Not to mention the turkey, and your sister’s famous monster chocolate cake. And, what’s worse, you want to try all of them! No problem. Just keep this mantra in mind: ALL THINGS IN MODERATION. Try everything, but keep the serving sizes in check. At least with this, you can still get to enjoy all your favorite holiday treats without pigging out.
Stay Active
Going away on the holidays doesn’t mean that you also have an excuse to be sedentary. Go out and get some activity. Whether its walking around the mall for your holiday shopping, or running around the grocery store for last minute food preparations or simply hitting the gym or the pool of the hotel that you’re staying in – get some exercise. A little dancing and partying wouldn’t hurt too, as long as you steer away from too much alcoholic drinks.
Limit The Booze
Drinking does not only decrease your will power (making you easily give in to food), it can also increase your appetite. Drinks, especially spiked juices and cocktails, pack a full calorie punch.
Shop Smartly
Holidays also involve long days of shopping – and usually, there isn’t any choice but to have lunch or dinner at the malls. Instead of going for your regular steaks or burgers, why not try healthier options? If not, bring your own homemade food – like whole wheat sandwich that’s packed with vegetables. Not only does that save you money from having to eat out, but it also save you precious shopping time by not having to line up at fast food joints, or wait for your orders to be served.
Don’t Give Up
Sometimes, we all fall into that all or nothing mindset. We plan to eat healthy and be healthy during the holidays, and we commit one little slip – and poof – we throw everything out the window. Remind yourself that you are just human, and you are entitled to make at least some mistakes. If you couldn’t resist that second helping of mango pudding or had one too many drinks, don’t end all your efforts there. You can make up for your slip – ups by continuing what you’ve started to do.
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