It seems so many people gain weight during the holiday season and then spend January and February trying to work that weight off. Since managing your weight can be challenging with all the parties, family festivities and travel, try these tips to maintain your current weight during the holidays:
- Keep consistent with your exercise routine – even when traveling. You can find simple exercises that do not require special equipment and can keep your heart rate up and keep you fit.
- Don’t skip meals – with the thought you can save the calories for more holiday lunch or dinner. This theory only makes you more hungry and tends to make you eat double and splurge on more fattening foods.
- Keep busy – sitting around time tends to be grazing time for snacks and sweets. Create some fun traditions that do not revolve around food.
- Eat a light snack before going to holiday parties – it is not a good idea to arrive at a party famished.
- Stay away from holiday buffet tables – where your eyes become bigger than your stomach and it is too easy to overeat. This is especially important while staying in hotels or on a cruise over the holidays. Try to have a sit down dinner.
- Serve salad first: If possible try to eat a salad or veggies prior to serving yourself the meal.
- Use a small plate: Even if you try to pile it on, you will eat considerably less than using a regular size plate. If only a large plate is available, then put the food in the center of your plate only. Note: white meat turkey is lower in fat than dark meat.
- Watch empty calories: Alcoholic drinks are full of calories, so try to stay clear. Wine is a better choice than liquor.
- Eat slowly, since it takes fifteen to twenty minutes for your brain to register that you are full.
- Drink lots of water – always good advice when traveling and all during the year. Water keeps you hydrated, helps detoxify your body, helps your metabolism and most importantly fills you up so you will not overeat.
Happy Holidays!
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