Celebrate the Holidays Without Gaining Weight

It’s that time of year again. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Quanza or Christmas; all of these holidays have one thing in common: Lots and lots of food! The average American gains between two and five pounds during the holiday season. Why? Fork to mouth problem! Here are some tips to keep from gaining that extra poundage and start the New Year off without having to make a resolution to lose weight.

Don’t Skip Meals. During the holiday season, a lot of people will skip lunch in anticipation of a holiday party or get so caught up in the festivities that they don’t take time to eat. When you go to a party really hungry, you tend to eat quickly and overeat.

Slow Down. Take breaks while you are eating to give your stomach a little time to discus with your brain how full it is. Amazingly, those that ate slowly and joined in the holiday conversation tend to eat less.

Watch your portions. We all know that holiday portions can border on enough to feed a small African nation. Use a smaller plate or just take one scoop of your favorites. That way you enjoy them all but eat less.

Pack up your leftovers right away. Especially if you are one of the cooks, grazing the leftovers in the kitchen can be a social over eating fest! Send leftovers home with your guests so you won’t be tempted to have a midnight snack.

Limit alcohol. Face it, the more you drink the more you eat! Save the calories for that sliver of pie you are craving.

Exercise as part of the holidays! If you can’t convince the family to run the Turkey Trot, take the clan for a walk after dinner. Enjoy the day and work off a few calories. If the weather is bad, Wii bowling as a family can be hilarious and help burn some calories.

Be Realistic. Starting a diet plan during the holidays is setting yourself up for failure. Try to maintain your current weight and plan for a weight loss goal in January.

Shop ‘til you drop. Not only will you be stimulating the economy and helping the recession, but you will be exercising! Have a healthy snack before or carry some granola bars so you won’t be tempted to visit the food court.

Fight the holiday blues. Many people get depressed around the holidays and tend to use food as an anti-depressant. Spend time with friends and count your blessings. Writing them down can help you realize even in down years, you have a lot to be thankful for.

Think of how happy you will be in January if you navigate the holidays without all those excessive pounds! Follow these tips and be diligent. You will thank me later!