How to Avoid Gaining Weight Over the Holidays

Who doesn’t love the holidays? Time with family, fun activities, gifts, parties, and good food. All good things, most of the time, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be, well, not so good. It’s important to indulge in special foods and drinks over the holidays- and to enjoy yourself while doing so! But how do you avoid putting on those pounds that will be so hard to take off after New Years? You follow these tips, that’s how!

1. Eat regularly:

It sounds backwards, but it’s very important to eat regularly. You don’t have to eat a huge meal for lunch if you’ll be going to a party in the evening, but don’t skip it. Eating a light lunch and afternoon snack will keep your appetite under control and prevent you from bingeing later.

2. Drink lots of water:

It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so keep hydrating throughout the day and you won’t feel false hunger pangs.

3. Exercise:

Consuming more calories than you need will make you put on weight, and the best way to burn those calories is by exercising. Regular exercise during the holiday season will help balance the calories you eat and burn.

4. Weigh yourself:

Don’t become obsessive and weigh yourself every day. Twice a week is enough for you to have a handle on where your weight is during this time, and to let you know if you should be cutting back on the treats before your weight gets away from you.

5. Get enough sleep:

It’s now known that lack of sleep can make you gain weight. It gets your fat burning and appetite hormones out of whack, and when you’re tired your self control can suffer.

6. Eat before a party:

Be smart and have a filling and nutritious snack before you go out and you won’t want to eat everything in sight.

7. Have a taste:

You don’t want to feel deprived, either. Is that cake tempting you? Go ahead and have a taste instead of a whole portion. And allow yourself to enjoy it!

8. Eat slowly and mindfully:

Don’t just shove food in your mouth. Chew it slowly and savor it. Make sure to pay attention to what you’re eating and you’ll need less of it.

9. Drink smartly:

Alcohol has a lot of calories, and drinking will make you less careful about what you eat. Sip your drink slowly and make it last, and remember to drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have. It’ll help a lot with hangovers!

10. Plan your food:

Nothing has to be carved in stone, but if you plan your food for the day you’ll know where to make room for treats.

11. Take a small plate:

Take a small plate at a buffet and you’ll eat less. You’re plate will look full with less food and you’ll still feel satisfied.

12. Don’t nibble while you cook:

Nibbling and tasting while you cook is a sneaky way to eat more than you realize.

13. Freeze leftovers right away:

Don’t let leftover cake sit around on the counter to tempt you! Give it away to guests or package it and freeze it for another time.

14. Stay calm:

Stress eating is very common, so avoid that by doing what you need to do in order to stay calm and less stressed during this time.