The holidays this time of year are usually centered around meals and food, such as meals enjoyed with friends and family, cooking together, indulging in desserts and so much more. However, having such a focus on food and eating at every holiday gathering can make it easy to gain a little weight this time of year. This is a well-known, common experience that many try desperately to avoid. But, with a little know-how, you can satisfy your desire for traditional holiday favorites and still enjoy a guilt-free holiday feast. After all, being stuffed is a good idea only if you are a turkey!
Five Holiday Survival Tips
Get Active
Exercise is one of the easiest ways to lose weight and prevent weight gain. Any amount of exercise is beneficial, and you can even make it a family affair. Go on a walk after eating a meal to start the digestion process or play a family game outside while the food is cooking. However, the best way to lose or maintain weight is to create a calorie deficit. A calorie deficit is when you burn an equal or greater number of calories than you consume. The easiest way to do this is by exercising to burn off extra calories before you indulge in your favorite foods. Eating less and exercising more is the winning formula to prevent weight gain during the holidays.
Eat Breakfast
While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast. Eating a nutritious meal with protein and fiber before the party starts takes the edge off your appetite and allows you to be more discriminating in your food and beverage choices.
Lighten Up
Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories. There is more sugar and fat in most recipes than is necessary, and no one will notice the difference if you skim calories by using lower calorie ingredients.
Here are a few healthy versions of your favorite holiday dishes:
2 Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipes
Healthy Mashed Potatoes Recipes |
Police Your Portions
Holiday tables are bountiful and beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without. White turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, thin gravy, and pumpkin pie tend to be the best bets because they are lower in fat and calories. However, if you keep your portions small, you can enjoy whatever you like.
Skip the Seconds
Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings. Leftovers are much better the next day, and if you limit yourself to one plate, you are less likely to overeat and have more room for a delectable dessert. Choose the best options on the buffet. While each of us has our own favorites, keep in mind that some holiday foods are better choices than others. Don’t waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long. Fill your plate with small portions of holiday favorites that only come around once a year so you can enjoy desirable, traditional foods.
The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss. This way, at the start of the new year, you will be ahead of the game if you can avoid gaining any weight over the holidays.
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