You can enjoy the holidays without having to worry about gaining too much weight.
Here are 5 simple tips to help you avoid putting on weight during the holiday season.
1. Eat more of the healthier foods
Foods that are high in fiber or water fill you up quickly and help keep you from overindulging on the "bad" stuff.
Take an extra scoop of vegetables and fruit when filling your plate, and by the time you finish, you won't have room for the other foods which are higher in calories and more likely to cause you to gain weight.
2. Keep portions smaller
No doubt, everything at the table looks good, and it's all you can do to keep from filling your plate 2-3 times so that you can sample everything.
An easy way to combat this urge is to simply take a smaller portion than you normally would of those dishes you're most interested in, especially belt-bursting desserts.
Split a piece of pie or cake with your spouse, child, or another family member who may be watching his or her waistline.
3. Drink water throughout the day
Drink a fair amount of water or other unsweetened beverage before each meal, as well as during and between them.
The liquid in your stomach will help trick your mind into not feeling as hungry, which reduces the tendency to gorge yourself on potentially fattening foods.
4. Stay away from the food table
If you take a seat within an arm's reach of the snack table, you're going to have a tough time keeping yourself from unconsciously grabbing handfuls of party mix, candies, and the like and picking at them all day.
By sitting on the other side of the room, getting to the snacks involves a conscious effort into getting up and walking over to get at the snacks.
5. Take a break
If the weather permits it, go out and take a quick walk around the house or block.
If your celebration is taking place in a colder climate, you'll be more inspired to quicken your pace and burn a few extra calories in the process. If the weather is bad, do 10-20 squats, stretches, or other brief exercise each time you go to the restroom.
You only want to do just enough to elevate your heart rate, but not break out into a sweat. Chances are, no one will know what you're doing, and you won't have to feel self-conscious about trying to maintain your figure.
Finally, if you still manage to put on a few pounds, don't worry about it. If you've been following a sensible diet and exercise plan, chances are that any weight you do gain is going to come off shortly once the holidays are over.
The holidays are not a time to feel deprived. They are meant to be happy times, spending time with friends and family.
If you're dedicated to being in shape, one day will not ruin your results.
?One of the tricks that I have taught my clients to use when they are craving foods that have little nutrients, is rather than deny themselves the food, have an apple first and then the candy, cookies, or cake. More times than not, the apple gives them time to think about how much they really want the candy, cake, or cookies and even if they do indulge they tend to eat less. So the apple has helped them to moderate their intake of high calorie foods and has provided them with essential vitamins and minerals.?
What's that one food you can not seem to eat in moderation? Remove that food! And if you want it, trick your body into thinking you had it by eating the apple instead. Balance the intake of certain foods using this apple theory ? along with proper diet and exercise you could control your weight more effectively, especially for those who eat sweets obsessively or compulsively.
Both Shawn Lebrun & Chester Ku-lea are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shawn Lebrun has sinced written about articles on various topics from Build Muscle, Body Building and Build Muscle. Make 2006 your best year ever. Fitness trainer Shawn Lebrun will help you build muscle, lose fat, and help you get the body you've always wanted. Visit his site to learn how:. Shawn Lebrun's top article generates over 1220000 views. to your Favourites.
Chester Ku-lea has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, fat burners and Gym. Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of - a provider of premium health nutri. Chester Ku-lea's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.