Sensible Weight Loss Tips During the Holiday Season
It’s bad enough that we are stressed about our weight every day of the year, but now we are rolling into the holiday season where the stress increases dramatically. The weight loss battle takes a distant backseat to all of the goodies that are bombarding us from Thanksgiving through New Years Day. Food is the centerpiece of our parties and gatherings during the holiday season and weight loss doesn’t stand a chance!
Here’s some holiday tips to help you try to avoid a total disaster when you have to choose between your diet and that wonderful culinary delight sitting right in front of you.
- STOP EATING when you feel full. There’s no shame in not eating all of the food on your plate. The easy solution, however, is to take smaller portions and don’t sample everything. When your tummy feels full, listen to it and heed the warning.
- Take a walk – it’s terrific exercise and it’s even better when it’s cold outside. Need an excuse? Grab the dog leash and let Fido walk off the holiday cheer too.
- Don’t count calories, just be sensible. You will make you and your family uncomfortable. Reduce the portions and don’t eat those things that you know you shouldn’t eat. Tough to pass on that favorite dessert? Take a smaller piece. You don’t have to be perfect, just be sensible.
- Use sugar substitutes or fat-free ingredients. If you don’t tell anyone, no one will notice in most cases. Recipes that are heavy in sugar may have a distinctive taste difference. You could have another alternative for the picky folks or make two versions of the same recipe.
- Provide some healthy food choices. If you are the cook, it’s easy. If you’re not the cook, take a tray to the gathering with fruits, veggies and a healthier dip.
- Drink in moderation. Many holiday drinks are packed with extra sugars, so drink just one cup of that super delicious egg nog that grandma always makes.
- No eating after 7pm. Plan your holiday bash for late afternoon. Just like the rest of the year, those meals and snacks that you are eating late in the evening are not being properly digested when you go to bed.
- Eat before you go grocery shopping. You won’t be inclined to add extra goodies on top of the goodies that you already need to get.
- Plan an outdoor activity each week to replace the exercise routine that you may be skipping during the holidays. Family walks, cutting down your own Christmas tree, a trip to the park, winter recreational activities like skiing or skating and even shopping for gifts. There’s plenty of things to do outside that will help offset all of those cookies, cakes and pies that can’t be passed up.
Just be sensible. You know that you are not going to make all of the best diet/weight loss decisions, so it’s much easier to just be sensible. Don’t overdo it and enjoy the holidays with your family and loved ones.