How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The average person will gain weight during the holidays. That’s just the way it goes. Not only do we usually consume more food during the holidays, but we’re also exercising less, sleeping less, and most of us are stressed out a lot more.

This is the recipe for the perfect storm, and your waistline can easily expand during the holiday season. It you’re interested in keeping the weight off, it’s important that you focus on the task at hand and approach the holidays with a sense of control. Without it, you could be looking at a new wardrobe consisting of black shirts and sweatpants!

Avoiding the Holiday Weight Gain

• Tally Up! For most of us, this isn’t our first rodeo. We know where we’re going to spend the holidays, and we usually know what types of foods will be available. This is where your will power and determination come into play. Take a tally of where you’re going, what you will be eating (or not eating, more specifically), and plan your outing.
• Stay Sober! A lot of the weight adults’ gain during the holidays comes from drinking alcoholic drinks. How does liquor pack on the pounds? Well, can anyone say “eggnog”? That’s right; a concoction like this is loaded down with sugar and fat – most holiday drinks are. Opt for water – you’ll be glad you did.
• Snacking Healthy! One of the biggest reasons people gain weight during the holidays is that they’re eating sugary foods. With grandma’s pie on the table, dad’s homemade candies, and about a dozen other sweet treats, you can just be walking by to get a glass of water and suddenly end up with a mouthful of sugar! Eat instead a small and healthy snack and also be sure to drink plenty of water.

Of course you’re going to want to snack. It’s just natural. When you get that urge, however, be sure to snack healthy. Go ahead and grab a turkey sandwich on wheat with some fresh veggies on that. Satisfy your cravings in a healthy way.