Indulging in sweets and fattening foods during the holiday season is a part of the American tradition. During Thanksgiving and the leftovers, most people can get a feel for how fattening certain foods can be. Then it’s only a few more days until Christmas. New Year heralds a new next year. Most people gain 75% of the total weight they gain all year between Thanksgiving and the new year. This is your opportunity to avoid holiday weight gain this season once and for all.
Many people associate the holidays with delicious food, fun, and gaining weight. However, you can choose to enjoy the holidays and still eat responsibly.
You can avoid gaining weight during the upcoming holiday by doing the following:
Eat Before You Go
Getting your fill of food before you arrive at a party or other occasion is recommended. Have fun at Thanksgiving. Feasting a single day will not influence your weight. For other holiday celebrations, make sure you eat healthy food before. You’ll be less likely to overindulge in unhealthy food because you will be full from your healthy meal.
Bring Your Favorite Healthy Side Dish
Many holiday gatherings encourage attendees to bring their favorite dish to share with everyone in attendance. When you bring a healthy dish, you can limit the amount of unhealthy foods you eat. More importantly, you’ll still have a great time and be able to enjoy the festivities.
Focus on the People and Not the Food
When attending a party, spend your time and attention on the other attendees. Mingle and socialize. Find a healthy snack and a bottle of water.
Keep Up Your Normal Food and Exercising Habits
An occasional slip-up such as sweets won’t hurt your performance, but it’s pretty easy to gain a few pounds quickly if you’re not careful. Stick to your usual workout schedule and stick to your regular diet. Avoid deviating from your routine, even during the holidays.
Thinking about New Year’s exercise may be exciting, but why not take action now? There’s no better time than now to optimize your health.
Walk Daily
A daily family walk can be a healthy means of burning calories, keeping blood sugar in good working order, and controlling appetite. Keep the pace enjoyable, and you will look forward to your morning walk.
Eat Slow
Eating slowly triggers your brain into thinking your body is full. When your brain receives this signal, you will eat less. Fast eating is the surest way to overeat. Chew your food slowly, talk between bites, and drink water with your food.
Start Your Meals with a Salad
Whether eating at home or attending a party, have a sizable salad before enjoying the rest of the meal. Be mindful about the amount of salad dressing you use.
Plan ahead this holiday season. It’s easier to avoid gaining weight than to lose it. Enjoy your friends and family this holiday season. Overeating is not a prerequisite to having a good time. Focus on making healthy choices and moderation. Have a healthy meal before indulging in yourself. You can avoid holiday weight gain by making smart decisions.