So what do holiday parties and get togethers all have in common?
Food and drinks...high-calorie food and drinks, that is!
No wonder most people gain weight during the holidays.
Everywhere you turn, you're surrounded by sweet temptations - holiday cookies, gingerbread houses, pumpkin pies, and more. Even healthy foods like sweet potatoes and green beans are magically transformed into high-calorie dishes that will make you want to do nothing but fall asleep. And don't forget the drinks. Eggnog and alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories.
Want to sidestep those holiday pounds?
Stay Focused
Yes, the holidays bring yummy foods and drinks, but friend gatherings and family traditions aren't about food. Before a party, remind yourself what the holiday season is all about - friends, family, giving, and religious traditions. Then stay focused on the reason for the season rather than the plate full of hors d'oeuvres in front of you.
Second, stay focused on your dieting goals. Remind yourself of where you've come from and where you're going. Keep your goals in the forefront of your mind. A few bites of food aren't worth hours on the treadmill.
The holidays can be a time of emotional eating. For many people, the holidays bring stress, family conflict, or depression. Learn to address the root of your problems with solutions other than food or drink.
Strategize
Is your holiday social calendar filled with night after night of parties and events? It's time to come up with a plan. If you want to keep your diet on track, you'll need to pace yourself. Don't come to a party hungry but eat a small low-calorie snack ahead of time. Otherwise, you'll overeat. When it's time for extreme measures, wear tight-fitting clothes around your waist so there's not much room for expansion.
Before and after a meal, chew gum so you won't be tempted to overindulge in appetizers and desserts. During a party, don't stand right next to the food table, but keep a safe distance. And before you get a plate of food, choose your plate wisely. Go with a small plate instead of a large dinner plate and don't go back for seconds!
Another important strategy is figuring out how to get in the gym between parties. Leaving room in your busy holiday schedule for exercise will help you fight off the extra weight trying to attach itself to your midsection and rear.
Wise Choices
Friend don't forget to be smart about what you choose to eat. Don't deprive yourself of all the foods you love or you'll likely spurge and ruin all your good intentions. Enjoy the goodness of the season, but in moderation. Trim calories where you can by limiting your trimmings-cheeses, gravy, sauces, creams, and nuts.
The holidays offer many food choices not available the rest of the year. Because of this, you may want to overindulge before they're gone. Instead of doing this, survey what foods are available and make your choices. Indulge in your favorites and leave the everyday dishes for another time. Only eat what you love, and don't just eat something because it's on the buffet.
Also, be sure to limit the amount of alcoholic beverages you drink. While you may not know it, they're filled with calories, too. Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink.
Follow these simple tips, and you will avoid holiday weight gain this season and start the New Year off right!
Redirect Attention
If your family gatherings normally revolve around food, it's time to begin a new tradition. Take the focus off of food, get people away from the buffet table, and do an activity that everyone will enjoy. Play a game, make a holiday craft, dance to your favorite holiday tunes, play a motion-based video game, go ice skating, take the dog for a walk, or just spend some time outside and enjoy the day.
