How To Avoid Weight Gain Over The Holidays

Let’s face it, during Christmas and New Year are when most people gain some extra pounds! With all the parties, delicious treats and meals with friends and family it’s almost impossible not to gain weight. But there are some things you can do to keep the weight gain to a minimum. So here’s 6 tips you can use to help avoid weight gain over the holidays.

1. Eat a healthy meal before going to a holiday party or meal. This will help you from over indulging in those high fat, calorie loaded low nutrition holiday foods. Now you will want to still be sociable so be sure to eat some food, but just keep it to an acceptable minimum.

2. Alcohol consumption is another area you should keep to a minimum, as it too is loaded with calories. Try to keep your consumption to just one drink, and you will be okay. This not only will prevent you from getting a DWI, which you should always avoid, but will help you from stimulating your appetite and indulging in more treats than you normally would.

3. It’s not uncommon to receive gifts of food during the holiday season. Though these foods are usually loaded with calories, receiving these gifts can be a good thing. They allow you to share in the season spirit of giving. You can take them to work and share them with your co-workers, provide them for your guest at your own holiday party, or donate them to a local charity for those less fortunate.

4. Try to get outside and get some exercise. Go for a walk, build a snowman, go sledding, or go caroling with some friends. A great way to get some exercise is to go to your local mall and walk a few laps before the stores open. Then when your done you can do your holiday shopping and beat the crowds!

5. Arrive at larger parties late, this will take the pressure off of over indulging in food and drink, as the party is already in progress. Especially if you already ate a healthy meal, like in the first tip..

6. Keep things in perspective. That is be aware and pace yourself Approach holiday parties as a chance to talk and dance with friends, instead of a drink and food fest.

There you go, try these tips and you will avoid weight gain over the holidays!