If you can’t tell just by looking at the calendar, the traffic makes it evident that it’s December and Christmas is right around the corner.
As we usher in the holidays, the highly anticipated season, there will, as usual, be lots of eating, drinking and relaxing, but too much of that will inevitably lead to weight gain.
This is the main reason why the most common New Year’s resolution is weight loss.
Thankfully, I am here for you. Use these tips to help you avoid weight gain this holiday season, or, at the very least, keep it to a minimum.
Snack wisely
This is the time of the year when calorie dense snacks – like chocolates, cookies and cake for example – tend to be readily available for you to take as you please. When treats are easy to access, you’re more likely to snack unnecessarily.
At home, this problem can be solved by keeping treats out of sight. However, that strategy is more difficult to avoid in situations that you cannot control, such as at your workplace or at a family gathering.
Try to be mindful of your snacking habits. If you find yourself munching just because there’s food around and not because you’re hungry, it’s best to avoid snacking altogether. However, if you are hungry and need a snack, opt for real food. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are also always readily available, are filling snacks that don’t contain added sugar or unhealthy fats, both of which will lead to weight gain.
Watch portion sizes
It is a given that most people will cook and bake more than usual. When food is in abundance, it is very easy to overload your plate. Come to think of it, you are usually urged to do just that.
Those who eat larger portions tend to gain weight more easily than those who don’t. The best way to overcome this is to control your portion size or use smaller plates.
To determine an appropriate portion size, read food labels and the recommended serving sizes listed on recipes. If you can’t do either, use your best judgment to place just a reasonable amount of food on your plate.
Go easy on the alcoholic beverages
Alcohol is a triple threat when it comes to weight gain. For starters, alcoholic drinks contain a lot of calories. Also, alcohol can lower your inhibitions so that you are less able to resist the temptation of unhealthy food. Finally, alcohol can stimulate your appetite. These factors combine to make alcohol very diet-unfriendly.
Go easy on the alcoholic beverages if you are serious about avoiding weight gain. Try to limit yourself to just a couple of drinks.
Check back next week for a few more tips to avoid gaining too much weight this holiday season.
