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The holiday season is fast approaching. Amongst all the fun events, parties, and celebrations, there will be many food and beverage temptations. While I am in full support of indulging in your favorite cookie or a holiday toast, I also know how good it feels to start the New Year already on the right track. Here are some tips to help you avoid holiday weight gain.
1. Take a bite. If it is not REALLY good, throw it out. While I don’t advocate wasting food, I also don’t advocate eating something just because.
2. Small choices can add up to big results. For example, do you love pie? Is it the whole pie you love or can you fill the same craving by leaving the crust and just eating the inside of the pie? Does the 10th bite taste anywhere near as good as the 1st? If it doesn’t, stop eating.
3. Stay active. When going shopping, walk the mall for 20 minutes before starting your shopping. Many cities offer Turkey Trots or Santa Runs. Sign up for one. Make it a family event. Members of my family have done the local Turkey Trot for over ten years. This year we are also participating in the Christmas Story Run. Another option would be to sign up for a January 1st race, like the Commitment Day run so that you are training throughout the holiday season.
4. Maintain your sleep schedule. If you are anything like me, making wise decisions when you are tired is harder than when you have had adequate rest.
5. Stay hydrated. With water! If you plan to drink alcohol, alternate every drink with alcohol with 8 ounces of water. This will help you to get full faster and also combat making poor food choices from having too much to drink.
Following these steps will allow you to enjoy the holiday season while also still fitting in your clothes come 2014.
Leave your comments on how you plan to avoid holiday weight gain. I would love to hear them.
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