The holidays are a special time of year where the focus of everyday life turns to family, friends and, of course, food. We eat, we drink, we socialize, then we eat some more. In order to NOT gain weight, it will be important to maintain self control. Here are some tips to keep the holiday pounds wrapped up and still enjoy all that the season has to offer.
- Eat Breakfast Every Day. When you skip breakfast, you tend to overeat later in the day. Choose a quick, healthful breakfast option such as yogurt with fruit, or whole-grain cereal with skim milk. Many people who maintain long-term weight loss eat breakfast daily.
- Drink Water. Choosing water keeps you from drinking something else that may be loaded with calories and sugar. People who drink sugar-sweetened beverages tend to consume more calories.
- Limit your alcoholic beverage intake. Alcoholic drinks, especially holiday favorites like eggnog, can have many calories.
- Eat Smaller Food Portions. You can trick your mindless eating behavior by eating on a smaller plate. We tend to feel deprived if our plates aren’t full, so make yourself happy and fill up (but on a smaller plate)!
- Snack Ahead of Time. If you’re heading out to a party, eat a light, healthful snack before you go. This will help curb your hunger and decrease your visits to the buffet table.
- Slow Down and Enjoy. By eating slowly, you will not only get to savor the flavor, but be more mindful of what you are putting in your mouth.
- Maintain Your Physical Activity Routine. Regular physical activity is an important part of maintaining weight loss. Keep up your good habits before, during and after the new year. Find creative ways to be active during the winter months; get to the mall early and speed walk, play in the snow, or join a local YMCA that has exercise classes.
- Prepare a Healthful Lunch at Home and Take it to Work. Taking your lunch to work helps you avoid last minute lunch choices, which often result in selecting high-fat and high-calorie options.