It’s that time of the year. The time when it seems like you are eating one carb-loaded, fat-filled, yet delicious, holiday meal after another. Perhaps last year you enjoyed the holidays a bit too much and noticed some weight gain. This year, can be different. Here are 10 ways to beat that dreaded holiday weight gain.
- Start working out in advance – Increase your workouts prior to the holidays to get yourself into a routine and to do some anticipatory damage control.
- Don’t party hungry – Often times, people avoid eating all day so that they can eat more during the main holiday feast. This can actually cause you to eat more due to increased hunger. Instead, eat a healthy meal before hand so that you are not ravenous with hunger. You will get full faster and eat less during the meal.
- Take advantage of that ever so popular veggie tray – Yes, it is tempting to only eat holiday cookies, mini-cupcakes and various taco dips, but they will pack on the pounds. Eat veggies so you have less room for unhealthy choices.
- Ditch caloric drinks – Drinking alcohol and eggnog is an excellent way to ramp up your weight. Limit or omit the amount of calorie dense beverages that you drink. Enjoy the holiday spirit with less emphasis on the wine and spirits.
- Bring a healthy dish to pass – This way you know there will be at least one healthy option available. You can share this healthy dish with your friends and family. What a great holiday gift!
- Recruit others – Indulging with others at a holiday meal is the perfect time to find a workout buddy, suggest a friendly weight loss competition or a fun fitness event like Elite Sports Clubs Team Weight Loss Challenge. You can entice your friends and family with the potential to win money, a 6-week fat burning training program, access to a certified dietitian and more. Working out with others often increases accountability and therefore weight loss. What a great way to start the new year.
- Plan your meal – Don’t just pile the food on as it gets passed around the table. Think about what you really want to eat and what you can live without. For example, if you have your eye on a particularly tasty piece of caramel apple pie, cut back on the mashed potatoes with gravy.
- Devise a plan – Come up with a nutrition and exercise plan going forward. One great way to do this is to work with an Elite trainer.
- Take it easy – Eating light meals with lots of water the next day is helpful. It will help to flush your system more quickly and decrease that bloated, weighed down feeling that often comes after a day of heavy eating.
- Don’t over do it – Over exercising or dieting to lose weight quickly can be extremely harmful. A planned out, realistic approach is the best way to stay healthy and fit.
Avoiding the dreaded holiday weight gain isn’t a myth or a fable. It can be done. Remember, the holidays are about being grateful and enjoying time with friends and family, not worrying about gaining weight. With these tips in action you don’t have to stress about the holidays—in fact, you can have your holiday cookie and eat it too!