The holidays are fast approaching, which means more than just the turkey is going to get stuffed. It can be a scary time for dieters, but fret not. We compiled some tips to keep your waistline from expanding.
The first tip is to keep moving. Hitting the mall and going on a holiday shopping spree can burn some calories; just make sure not to refuel at the pretzel stand and undo all of that work. But to really battle the bulge, you’ll need a more purposeful plan of attack. Start with penciling in some quality time with the gym. With all of the in-laws that may be crashing at your house this season, the gym will offer a much-needed reprieve.
They say abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym – which brings us to our second tip: mind your caloric intake. Between the company Christmas party and your neighbor’s well-intentioned fruit cake, there are ample opportunities to rack up calories this season. But don’t take the bait. Allow yourself some prescribed fun – it is the holidays after all. But don’t go overboard, and instead opt for loading up your party plate with fruit and veggies, and just one cookie. You will thank us come Jan. 2nd.
Another way to stay healthy during party season is to eat a healthy meal at home before you head out. Think protein-filled, low-carb options like chicken breast and broccoli or salmon and spinach. The protein and the fiber will help you feel full and less likely to gorge at the buffet table. Carbs can also cause your sugar to spike and then crash, leading to unhealthy food choices.
Drinking water is another way to keep your appetite in check, as dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.
And no party is complete without alcohol, though there are plenty of adult beverages that should be on your naughty list. Pina coladas, margaritas and the like are full of sugar and calories and can wreak havoc on your diet. Instead, opt for a gin and tonic or something similar. It contains less calories and less sugar, but still has the same bang as its unhealthy brethren.
Our last tip for you is to weigh yourself every week, if not twice a week, during the holidays. Seeing the dial go up on the scale might be the wakeup call you need to put down the gingerbread and pick up the hand weights instead.
Do you have any go-to tips for avoiding holiday weight gain? Let us know in the comments section.