How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Oh yes – It is possible to celebrate the season without gaining weight! Even if you are motivated, the holiday season is challenging for everyone. Staying on track can seem quite overwhelming. However, you can still have fun without giving up your healthy habits.

Here are some simple strategies to avoid holiday weight gain:

Do Not Skip Meals, Split Them!

During the holiday season, eating out should not be an excuse to eat unhealthy. To avoid overconsumption, avoid going out for lunch or dinner on an empty stomach.  Food cravings can be your worst enemy but can be prevented by drinking plenty of water. Eating protein may reduce your appetite and keep you from overeating. To avoid getting extremely hungry, eat regularly and keep healthy snacks close at hand such as an apple or yogurt. This will stop you from overeating appetizers which tend to be rich in carbohydrates and fats.

Know Appropriate Portion Sizes

A varied and balanced diet is essential to staying healthy. A healthy diet means choosing the right foods while knowing appropriate portion sizes. During the holiday season, it is equally important to follow the dietary recommendations for portion sizes. You should avoid eating more than your body needs. According to nutritionists, half of your plate should be composed of vegetables, one quarter for a source of protein such as meat or chicken and the remaining one quarter for carbohydrate such as rice. If you choose the correct amount of food, it will be easier for you to satisfy your hunger.  For dessert, we all need a little indulgence from time to time especially during the holiday season, so choose a smaller amount and opt for fresh fruits instead of large amount of highly sweetened choices.

Eat and Move!

During the holiday season, be sure to exercise or keep moving. Walking just after a meal can help you avoid holiday weight gain.  Dancing is also an excellent choice of exercise, as much for its fun as for the calories you burn.

 

Related posts

The best way to a healthy diet? Eat 3 balanced meals, don’t cut any food group
Adding ‘exercise’ labels on packaging won’t solve the obesity problem. Instead, stick to a simple message: eat three balanced meals a day Read the full article at: www.theguardian.com The idea to label food packaging with the nutrients present in the food and the “activity equivalent” will help in the fight for a better lifestyle and […]
This ‘Healthy’ Food Swap You’ve Been Making May Actually Be Bad For You
Actually, when consumed in moderation, butter is actually pretty good for you. Research found butter fights cancer, reduces diabetes symptoms, is packed with vitamins that boost your immune system and keeps bones strong and teeth healthy. So, before you dump all your vegetable oil down the drain, let’s take a look at the research. Read […]
Study finds eating pears regularly may improve blood pressure, heart function  | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis
Eating fresh pears may improve blood pressure and vascular function in middle-aged men and women who are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. “These initial results are very promising,” said lead author Sarah A Johnson, who conducted the research while at Florida State University. “With metabolic […]