It can be stressful to maintain a healthy weight during the Christmas holidays, because you want to eat all the delicacies that will be served.
You may feel weight gain around the Christmas holidays is inevitable, but this is not the case. With some self control and lifestyle changes, you can keep the excess pounds away this Christmas season.
Here are some ways to avoid that Christmas holiday weight gain:
1. Eat healthy meals prior to parties
Never attend a holiday party hungry. This will inevitably lead to overeating. You want the bulk of your calories to come from good, healthy foods and not the unhealthy snacks you’re likely to find at a party.
2. Make your plate mostly fruits and vegetables
Pay attention to the proportions of your plate. Your plate should be mostly filled with healthy foods. Junk foods should only be consumed in moderation.
3. Be careful when navigating the dessert table
Baking is a fun holiday tradition for many, so you may find buffet tables are loaded with tasty desserts. It’s unrealistic to expect that you’ll forego desserts completely, but make wise choices when indulging.
4. Stay away from liquid calories
There may be holiday drinks present at the party. Alcoholic beverages are frequently served at parties. Many people do not think about liquid calories, but they can add up fast, which can lead to weight gain. Be aware of how much you’re drinking, and try to practice some basic self control.
5. Prioritize socializing over food and drinks
Remember, holiday parties are a time to catch up with friends and family members. Try to place your primary focus on socializing over eating and drinking. Staying engaged in conversation for the duration of the party can distract you from overdoing it on food.
6. Opt for whole grain flour over white flour
If a recipe calls for white flour, you can usually substitute whole wheat flour. Most dietary guidelines recommend half of your daily grains should be whole wheat, so avoiding white flour can help you stay healthy during the Christmas holiday season.
7. Be aware of the calories in small tastes of food
A lot of times, people do not track the small bites and tastes of food they eat throughout the day over the holidays. These small tastes can actually add up to a lot of extra calories by the end of the day.
8. Limit temptation
Sometimes, simply staying away from temptation can help you avoid overindulgence. Find ways to limit your exposure to snacks and treats throughout the day.
9. Make small alterations in your routine to burn extra calories
Even tiny changes can add up. To prevent weight gain, you need to not consume more calories than you burn each day.
10. Manage holiday stress
Stress can be a major cause of emotional eating, so work on managing your stress level over the holidays. Healthy stress management is vital to preventing weight gain.
11. Stay on an exercise schedule
You want to make sure you get your workouts in, even during the holidays. Exercise can help you maintain your regular weight despite the holiday season.
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