Tips for Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain
During the holidays, most people find it difficult to minimize the consumption of calorie-rich foods and to reduce sedentary behavior. So, it’s easier said than done when it comes to maintaining or losing weight during this tempting season.
No wonder research results show that most people gain an average of 1 pound (0.5 kg) after each holiday.
However, Harley Institute suggests some steps you could take to maintain or lose weight during this tempting time, though it's not easy, with discipline and dedication, you can achieve success by keeping the extra holiday pounds off.
Do not be redundant during the holidays
Though the holidays present an opportunity for everyone to escape from their busy schedule, on the other hand, it is a period most people become redundant and increase sedentary activities which includes:
- Watching TV/seasonal movies
- Playing video games
- Sitting on the couch and
- Overeating
It is a fact that redundancy or inactivity encourages weight gain. Therefore, you need to participate in some physical activities even when you’re holidaying in the Caribbean or other beautiful parts of the world.
You can sign up for a community fitness event or become a volunteer. This will go a long way to take your mind off food.
Learn to control stress
Depending on the size of your family and other activities you may be involved, the demands of the holidays could be stressful if not checked.
No matter when you’re stressed, the level of cortisol will be increased, and this may cause weight gain. Additionally, stress may increase your cravings for the consumption of junk foods. Therefore, you should try checking your stress level, have more sleep and get more exercise.
Maintain a balanced diet but use smaller plates!
Though this may be ridiculous, it is a fact that overloading your plates will tend to make you gain some weight. You need to control portion sizes since the tendency of eating frequently is more at this time.
Furthermore, it's important to include some protein with every meal and endeavor to reduce the carbs. Increased consumption of protein-rich foods will help you reduce calorie intake because it promotes fullness.
Protein-rich foods have been found to increase your metabolism, so endeavor to consume poultry, fish, beans, and meat during the holidays.
Reduce dessert intake and liquid calories
There is an abundance of desserts during the holidays. However, you need self-control to avoid every treat in sight. Before leaving home, decide on what to eat and try to maintain it.
Calorie-rich beverages like soda go with deserts whenever you’re outdoors during the holidays. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a bottle of water to help you avoid taking soda. This also implies the consumption of alcohols.
Avoid eating processed foods
Since the holiday period is good for adventure, you will be exposed to different types of processed foods which may increase your chances of gaining a lot of weight.
If it's possible, visit the fast foods once or twice and personally prepare your meals.
No doubt, holiday treats can be tempting, but if you could try the tips in this article by Harley Institute, set a weight reduction or maintenance goal and be diligent about it, you’ll be on top of the situation.
