With the average person gaining 7-10 pounds between thanksgiving and new years day, follow these tips to the best of your ability to avoid the holiday bulge.
1) Don't try to diet' during this time of year.
2) Sit down before the holidays and decide what foods you will and will not eat. Skip the whip cream on the hot chocolate or the candy cane so you can enjoy another food that you love.
3) Don't go to a party or event on an empty stomach. Don't skip your dinner to save calories because you know there will be food at the party. By eating a healthy meal before you go to the party you will be less likely to eat as much when you are out.
4) Keep an eye on your portion sizes. You do not have to fill your plate to fill your stomach. Try to keep it to one round at the buffet table and try to pick the healthier options on the table first.
5) Make the effort to continue a regular exercise program. Don't take a vacation from the gym over the holidays. Stay on your regular schedule. Everyone knows as soon as you break your regular schedule it is twice as hard to get back on track again.
6) Pay attention to how quickly you eat. Don't eat on the run. Eating food while you are doing house chores or running errands usually leads to eating more then you would normally eat. Take the time to sit down at the table to eat. Your waist line will thank you for it.
7) Remember that drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) can be packed with calories. There can be more calories in one drink fromyour favorite coffee shopthan an entire meal.
8) Don't let a hectic holiday schedule force you to eat fast food; and if you do have to eat out try to choose a healthy alternative on the menu.
Weight management is all about moderation and making healthy decisions. Everyone can and should enjoy the holiday season, but don't make decisions that will come back to haunt you in the New Year!