The holiday season is upon us and it brings with it the joy, happiness, gifts, and a lot of other things that we wait for all year long. The one thing about the holiday season that we do not look forward to, is weight gain. Yes! We said it out loud, and research has also proven that many adults put on some weight over the holiday eating. It has to do with all the food and enjoyment without the proper exercise or the bulk nutrients that should go with a normal and proper diet. Here we are listing the top ten ways that you can fight off the weight gain and still enjoy the holidays like you deserve and desire.
1. Get moving
What is the best way to stay in shape? Lots of exercise. Unfortunately, not only do we not take part in extra exercise, keeping in view the extra calories that we take in, we also let go of the regular exercise that we usually do regularly. Exercise is one of the most effective ways of fighting obesity and weight gain. The only thing that it requires is regularity. So, if you want to burn away those extra calories, you know exactly what you have to do right? Turn up the intensity of your exercise.
2. Cheat a little, but only once a day
Let’s face it. We all cheat during the holiday season. Those cookies aren’t disappearing of their own accord. Right? And we won’t stop you from doing that. Just make sure that you don’t cheat a lot. Have a piece of cake, a small serving of cookies, or some candy just once a day. This way you can easily compensate those extra calories by exercising or by reducing your normal meals a little bit. It will be under your control. Any more than that and you will have to really extend yourself to take care of the extra pounds.
3. Control the risk for temptation
What is the best way of facing temptation?
Don’t face it at all. If you can control your schedule and the number of times that you can come into contact with high-calorie foods, you will be better off than a host of other people. For example, do you keep a box of cookies or a jar of candies on your desk? Or do you keep this stuff in your bedroom or your home office desk? No matter where you keep it, you have got to move it. Keep somewhere less accessible. Open your heart and give away the major portion of these things and keep only a little bit for yourself.
4. Eat your veggies and fruits
Another great way for you to keep away from high-calorie foods is to make sure that you increase your intake of vegetables and fruits. Take more servings of veggies and fruits as compared to your normal routine so that you feel full and don’t get sucked into the temptation of filling your stomach with chocolate chip cookies. This will greatly help you with your calorie count. Fruits and vegetables are not only good for your overall health; they also contain way fewer calories as compared to chips, cookies, crackers, or candy. Fill up on fiber and you will be good to go.
5. Never go to a party hungry
Now, a lot of us do this before going to a party. We think of all the sweet and savory food that will be waiting for us and skip the meal before the party so that we can stuff ourselves with the delicious treats at the party. That is a big no-no. What you should do instead, is to eat a healthy snack like your favorite fruit, yogurt, or anything else like that. This way, you will be able to better fend off the attacks of temptation and not rush to the food table to fill up your plate with the goodies.
6. Be in charge of your party choices
Just because something is there in front of you doesn’t mean that you have to take it. Be in charge of your own choices. That doesn’t mean that you don’t eat anything at all. Just assess the calories that are available to you and take the bare minimum.
7. Say no politely
If people keep putting food on your plate then you have to learn how to say no without sounding rude. Find out the best way to do that and you’re good to go.
8. Focus on socializing, not food
Remember what you’re there for. You are there to meet people and mingle. Not eat. Conversations are totally calorie-free. So make sure you do more of that and less eating.
9. Eat smaller portions
It is really tempting to fill up your plate with all the snacks and goodies available, but the real thing is to fight it. Eat whatever you want, but in smaller portions so that you can exercise it away when you want.
10. Visit with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Your dietitian can really guide you towards the best calorie intake and how to keep it steady. So consult your dietitian and find out how much to eat and what to eat. This will help you in prioritizing your food choices.
Conclusion
Keep these ten things in mind, and you won’t have to worry about the extra pounds sticking to your body. Keep healthy and enjoy your life.
