Returning the gift of holiday weight gain can be a true challenge for most of us. Of course, the easiest tip is to avoid getting a holiday weight package in the first place! After all, there’s no benefit to approaching the New Year with a lot of extra weight that you have to lug around all year.
With that said, if you do gain a little weight, it’s a good idea to know and understand the simplest measures that you can take to eliminate those extra pounds before they become a problem.
Tip 1: Get moving!
One of the best ways that you can maintain your current weight through the holidays, or shed those extra pounds from your holiday blessing, is to exercise. You should strive to get at least four hours of exercise weekly. This may sound like a lot, but there are many exciting physical activities that will enable you to lose those unwanted pounds.
* You can take a walk around the block to savour one last look at those Christmas decorations, go swimming in an indoor heated pool, or warm up in an aerobics or dance class. Take your dog, if you have one, for an extra walk each day or borrow a friend’s dog to share a stroll with.
* Go up and down the stairs a few times. When you’re done, your heart will surely be pumping!
* Learn some basic yoga moves and start or end your day with some deep stretching and relaxation.
Tip 2: Make healthy food choices
During the holidays, fresh fruit assortments are a big hit and make eating healthy much easier. A good goal would be to eat five servings of fruits every day. When you snack on fruit, you’ll avoid the urge to sink your teeth into that hot Christmas Pudding and all the other tempting desserts that tend to line tables and countertops when the holidays roll around.
* With fresh fruits and vegetables, not only will you be able to eat plenty of foods that taste great, but you’ll also get your daily dose of essential nutrients and vitamins that assist in the many functions of the body.
* It would be unreasonable to expect you to avoid all of the delightful foods that tempt you during the holidays. In fact, you shouldn’t deprive yourself at all! The key is to enjoy these sweet desserts in moderation.
* Fill up on the healthy fruits and vegetables first and then ask for a small serving of pudding. You’ll get a sweet taste without the desire to devour an entire pie.
* Try to limit yourself to just one treat a day. Setting limits will allow you to enjoy all those seasonal foods that you love without causing holiday weight gain.
* Share your cookies and chocolates with those at your office, church, or homeless shelter. If the sweets tempt you too much at home, share them with others.
Tip 3: Party etiquette
Prepare yourself for social gatherings, family dinners, and festive holiday parties. The foods and beverages that you find at these parties are generally loaded with fat and other unhealthy ingredients.
* Eat a healthy meal before going to holiday parties. If you’re not hungry, you’ll indulge in fewer unhealthy foods that can add pounds.
* Focus on enjoying the company rather than on the food. Engaging in conversation will allow you to forget (momentarily!) about the food buffet.
During the holidays we all want to indulge in traditional holiday treats. Being conscious of portion control will help you avoid gaining a significant amount of weight this holiday season.
Returning the gift of holiday weight gain is much easier when it does not involve too many pounds. Using these tips will keep the weight gain to a minimum and help you to shed those few extra pounds that do materialise.
