The holidays are supposed to be a time for joy and giving, not eating your weight in holiday cookies. Every year during the holidays, many people struggle with trying to keep the weight off. Some people are successful while others fail miserably. If you truly want to avoid gaining weight during the holidays, the following are six techniques to help you.
1. Start working out.
If you take in 2000 calories a day and only burn off 100 of them, you’re going to gain weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is about balance, which is why it’s very important for you to create a workout regimen. Use this time to join a gym, enroll in a fitness class or to simply start exercising on your own. P90X or Insanity are two regimens you can do at home if you’re worried about time or spending too much money on a gym membership. No matter what you decide to do, starting to work out now will certainly help you avoid weight gain during the holiday season.
2. Make healthier choices.
Sure that gingerbread man may look like he wants you to eat him, but there’s likely to be something healthier for you to choose. Instead of the sugary sweets, opt for the veggie tray when snacking at holiday parties. By making smarter choices, you’ll still be able to indulge in the holiday festivities without having to be rolled out of the party for eating too much garbage.
3. Eat beforehand.
Sometimes people make the mistake in starving themselves all day because they know they’ll eat at the holiday party later. Unfortunately, this tactic doesn’t work. If you attend soirees when you’re starving, you’ll end up eating way too much food in order to curb your hunger, and this is not smart. Make sure you always eat before you attend any social gatherings. This way, you’ll be less tempted to stack your plate full of chocolaty goodness.
4. Watch what you drink.
When people think about gaining weight during the holidays, they tend to put the blame on the food they eat. But there’s another culprit adding to your waistline, and it’s in the form of beverages. Many alcoholic beverages contain a large number of calories, and if you are stingy with the food but heavy with the drinks, you could end up gaining more weight than normal. Opt for water or low-calorie beverages when out during the holidays, and stick to a one-drink minimum. This way, you won’t end up drinking your calories (or becoming too intoxicated that the entire gingerbread house becomes your midnight snack).
5. Limit your baking tastes.
If you’re a holiday baker, the majority of your holiday weight gain occurs from tasting your own creations. Whether you’re tasting the batter or eating a handful of cookies to ensure they’re “good”, you’re adding pounds to your body. Try to limit the amount of tastes you take while holiday baking. Either trust yourself that the baked goods are fantastic, or enlist the help of someone else to help perform the taste tests.
6. Stay strong.
It’s all about your mentality. You’re going to have friends and family members pushing sweets and treats in your face, and although you may feel bad if you decline, it’s okay for you to stay strong. Just because Aunt Martha made a pumpkin pie doesn’t mean you have to give in and eat the whole thing. You need to make the decision to live a healthy lifestyle, and you have to stay strong when facing temptations or pressure from family and friends.
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