The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family, friends, and food. But with all the indulgent meals and treats, it can be easy to overdo it and pack on extra pounds. The average American gains 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day every year!
You don’t have to fall victim to the dreaded holiday weight gain. With some simple strategies, you can enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your health or your waistline.
Eat Before Heading Out
The key is to prepare yourself before going to a holiday gathering where temptations will be plentiful. Eat a healthy snack like nuts, half an avocado, or crunchy veggies with guacamole. This will take the edge off your appetite so you don’t arrive starving. Drinking sparkling water with a splash of balsamic vinegar is another great option to fill your stomach before indulging in treats.
Fill Up On Veggies First
At the party, make a beeline for the veggie tray first. Load up your plate with salads, roasted veggies, and anything else green. You’ll fill up on fiber and nutrients, leaving less room for empty calories. Saying “no” to high-calorie foods will be easier with a belly full of greens.
Avoid Dangerous Drinks
Steer clear of excessive alcohol, which can sabotage your willpower around food choices. Opt for festive spritzers made with sparkling water and a splash of wine or champagne. Stay alert by diluting alcoholic drinks with soda water or asking for “mocktails” minus the booze. Eggnog is another drink to avoid due to its extremely high sugar and calorie content.
Have A Game Plan
Decide beforehand what foods you will indulge in and which you’ll avoid completely. Maybe you’ll have a small slice of grandma’s famous pie but skip the mashed potatoes. Tell yourself “I’m the type of person who doesn’t eat ____” to stay strong when tempted. And if you slip up, don’t despair! Just get right back on track with your next meal.
Stay Up Late
After overindulging, avoid crashing into bed. Lying down right after a big meal can trigger heartburn and indigestion. Stay up for a bit – put on blue light blocking glasses and read or watch TV to wind down before bed. This allows time for your food to digest properly.
Take Immune-Boosting Supplements
With holiday travel and gatherings, cold and flu viruses spread easily. Boost your immunity by taking Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements leading up to and during the season. Zinc and elderberry extracts can provide additional protection.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is vital for maintaining willpower and making healthy food choices.Aim for 7-8 hours per night. Keep stress in check through exercise, meditation, or whatever relaxation methods work for you. Manage holiday stress proactively so it doesn’t lead to sleepless nights.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and unsweetened herbal tea between meals. Being well hydrated prevents overeating and supports metabolic and digestive health. Sparkling water can also help fill you up. Adding lemon, lime, grated ginger or cucumber creates a refreshing holiday spritzer.
Don’t Skip Meals
It may be tempting to fast before a big holiday feast, but this often backfires and leads to ravenous overeating when you finally do sit down to eat. Have nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stable. Your hunger and cravings will be more under control.
Keep Moving
Continue your regular exercise routine as much as possible. Schedule time for walking, hiking, swimming, yoga, or any activity you enjoy. Even light exercise helps relieve stress and keeps your metabolism revved up to burn extra calories.
With some preparation and smart strategies, you can stay healthy, happy and fit straight through the New Year. Don’t let the holidays derail your progress – instead, find creative ways to nourish your body and enjoy the season to its fullest!
