Tips on How to Avoid That Extra Holiday

By Nanise Mohamed

ecember is the ultimate holiday month. And while it’s full of fun parties, warm family gatherings and delicious food; it’s also a time for that uninvited extra D weight. Let’s be clear here, we pass no judgment, we’re just happily addressing everyone’s holiday concerns. If the extra pounds are not welcomed for you, we got you all covered. And, that’s why we’re giving you pro-tips on how to avoid putting on those extra holiday pounds. No one wants to celebrate New Year’s not looking like themselves!

During the holidays, you have way more food options than usual. If you don’t want to gain weight like crazy, go for small portions. You can

pick a smaller plate than the one you usually use and stick to it, no refills or extra snacks. This way, you could try everything you want and get full without actually increasing your intake. This is a very practical tactic that pros use when they’re looking to lose weight.

Why limit yourself to food only? If you feel like you had enough to eat for one day but still have to attend another gathering, go for the beverages table. This way, you wouldn’t miss out on sharing with loved ones, but you still won’t overeat. If you’re worried about refreshments containing high calories, you can always ask for healthier substitutes. Smart, right?

Eating and watching TV are holiday rituals. No one can argue with that. But they’re not the only ones. You can always utilize the outdoor activities as well. Plan ahead any fun activity that all the family can enjoy. This way, you’ll be out busy all day and may not even think about food that much.

While most holiday recipes are saturated in carbs and fats, you can always think and eat smart. Opt for more foods based on protein and fibers. Meat, chicken, fruits and veggies are among the options. Steer clear from rice and pasta options. You should be good!

We know that sweets are crucial, especially during the holidays. But hear us out, it’s doable. We’re not suggesting you skip dessert altogether. We’re just saying that maybe you don’t need it every day. Fruit-based desserts will always be a great choice if you can’t let it go. Also, don’t forget to ask about healthy desserts made with less sugar and fats. You can do this!

Be wise and practice mindful eating. It’s the holidays and you shouldn’t really count your calories or weigh yourself every two hours. That’s no way to live, let alone in Christmas and New Year’s. You also don’t want to be the person always complaining about their weight concerns and how much their friends are eating. Just be conscious.

DON’T EAT IN FRONT OF THE TV OR LAPTOP When we eat with our eyes distracted by visuals, we tend to consume more quantities than we usually would and we tend to chew less. Resulting of course in weight gain and digestion problems!

It’s not just about food. Savoring is an important concept. You should savor the moments in general. When it comes to food, this could save lives. It’s a common concept that chewing slowly and taking your time with your meal will guarantee you less consumption. Savor your meal, bite slowly and appreciate every bite. Believe us, you’ll get full faster than you expect.

Last but not least and when everything is said and done, the gym will come to the rescue. You can keep trying and counting calories and all hell could still EASILY break loose. Don’t feel bad, you’ll look just as good in any given weight. But if you want to see fast results, we suggest you hit the gym right away. This will definitely ease up all the guilt trips we always get after holidays, too!