The festive season is upon us; it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Everywhere you look, holiday cheer abounds – decorations, Christmas carols, hot cocoa, and more. It’s that special time of year when you get to spend quality time with family and friends and make lasting memories. But for many, there’s also the fear of weight gain during the holidays. There are many reasons why people may struggle with weight gain over the holidays. For one thing, there is often a dramatic change in routines and schedules. Some people use this opportunity to indulge in sweeter foods than they normally would, and extra calories sneak up on them. No matter the reason, however, some simple tips can help you avoid weight gain during the holidays! Keep reading to learn more!
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Make Sure You Watch Your Portion Sizes
The holidays are an especially dangerous time of year when it comes to portion control – suddenly, that perfect helping of mashed potatoes and stuffing turns into an epic feast. But don’t get out of hand; if you’re used to eating a normal-sized dinner, don’t get ambitious and heap your plate high with holiday favorites. It’s also important to be realistic about how many treats you are going to consume – two pieces of the pie are certainly enjoyable, but it’s a good idea to stick to having only one. Eating in moderation during the holiday season will help keep your stomach content and waistline trim!
Stay Active To Avoid Weight Gain
‘Tis the season for figgy pudding, hot cocoa, and indulgent baked goods – what better time of year to actively work on avoiding weight gain? Between the holiday treats, lack of activity due to cold weather, and late-night family movie night snacking, it can be tempting to take a small calorie break or a few extra eggnog lattes. But if you stay active during the holidays, you can keep your hard-earned waistline intact! Try scheduling an outdoor activity that combines family time and exercise – a snowball fight in the park or even biking around town with your loved ones. It’s easier to hit that fitness goal when it’s more fun. And if all else fails, make sure you have room for dessert!
Modify Your Holiday Recipes
If you’re looking for a way to stay fit during the holidays without having to pass up on your favorite dishes, rest assured there’s a delicious answer! Instead of worrying about your waistline and holiday festivities, why not modify just a few ingredients in each dish to craft healthy and yummy recipes? So don’t let getting fit this holiday season stress you out – switch it up, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy tasting those healthier versions of classics. You’ll be surprised at how many delicious, nutritious recipes you can whip up with just a few swaps and modifications. That’s what you call the ultimate guilt-free indulgence.
Make Sure You Get Plenty Of Sleep
Staying healthy over the holidays doesn’t have to be a chore, and it starts from the very basics – prioritizing sleep. While you may be busy juggling family obligations, workplace deadlines, and attending many holiday gatherings, ensuring you get enough hours of shut-eye can help stave off any unwanted weight gain during this season of celebration. Not only will proper rest keep your metabolism functioning correctly, preventing late-night cravings for unhealthy foods, but you’ll also be more equipped to resist the urge when it does arise. So instead of shrugging off your bedtime routine or hitting snooze repeatedly this winter, make sure you prioritize sleep first – everything else can come afterward!
Try To Control Your Stress Levels
The holiday season should be about celebrating with friends and family, baking cookies, and singing carols – not stressing out over unwelcome weight gain. With added party invitations and often not enough time to work out, it’s no surprise that the average person puts on around 1-2 pounds during the holidays. But don’t despair! Taking steps to manage your stress levels can help reduce or even avoid weight gain while still enjoying all opportunities to eat, drink and be merry. Start by trying to maintain your regular diet and exercise schedule along with a calming practice like yoga or meditation. Who knows? You might even emerge from this season feeling healthier than ever before.
Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
Eating more fruits and vegetables during the holidays sounds like a monumental task, especially when all those delicious cookies, pies, and casseroles are calling your name. But before you succumb to temptation, remember that one of the keys to avoiding weight gain over the holidays is introducing more fresh fruits and veggies into your diet. Eating more produce isn’t as dull as it sounds; with a bit of creativity from interesting recipes or meal ideas, you can indulge in healthy holiday dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. So this season, enjoy some of that pumpkin pie but balance your plate with something green for an easy way to avoid those post-holiday regrets!
Avoid Weight Gain During The Holidays This Year!
Alter your eating and drinking habits to avoid weight gain this holiday season. A little planning goes a long way to keep the scales in check, so start by being armed with all the right tools for success. Whether you need to stay motivated, find ways to eat more fruits and vegetables, or simply want to avoid feeling like a stuffed turkey by the end of the season, it’s time to get serious and make this your healthiest holiday yet! So put down that extra helping of pie and remember – weight gain during the holidays is avoidable if you just try.
