Most people struggle with weight problems during the holidays. The festive season filled with good food, great wine and sweet desserts can make it difficult to stick with your eating plan and maintain your figure. It is very likely that you will gain at least a pound during the holidays; it may not be much, but adding that pound to an already heavy frame is not good. It's hard to resist the holidays, though. It's the season when you see people you haven't seen the whole year, and the holidays provide perfect opportunities for indulgence. However, with a little advance planning and strategy, you can survive the holidays without adding those extra pounds to your weight.
Here are a couple of ways to stay slim during the holidays:
1. Choose the right outfit during gatherings and parties. The right outfit -- such as one that fits snugly – will help you be more aware of your figure. When you wear snug-fitting clothes, chances are you'll be more focused on holding your stomach in. Friends and relatives will also notice your figure and might discourage you from overeating.
2. Keep one hand occupied with a drink. This is a good way to help you avoid overeating; with one hand holding a drink it will not be easy to grab food. You should also avoid having too many sugary cocktails and opt for lighter options. One trick when it comes to drinks is to alternate alcoholic beverages with plain water. This way you can cut your alcohol consumption by half.
3. Avoid skipping meals. It is a good idea to eat your meals consistently even when you're all set for a night of partying. This strategy will prevent you from overeating later on. At the party, see what the buffet table has to offer first. Spend at least 30 minutes sipping sparkling water and picking out food choices mentally. That way you can select the true treats that you only eat once or twice a year and leave all the fattening foods that are available year round.
4. Skip the unhealthy and fattening appetizers. If it’s hard to skip the appetizers, you can choose veggies, fruits or other healthier options instead of going for the cheeses. It is better to be a food snob and just eat the foods you truly want to eat. It's not your responsibility to sample all the foods on the buffet table and fill your plate only once. You can easily save calories by going easy on the cheeses, dressings, sauces, nuts and whipped cream. It is better to eat slowly and savor your food and engage in witty conversation, because it actually takes 20 minutes for the brain to realize that you're full.
5. Take the time to exercise during the holidays. The holiday season is extremely hectic and busy. It may be tricky to spare the time but it will be a big boost to your weight maintenance efforts. You have to make daily exercise a priority during the holiday season. If you forget about your diet at one party, you can at least minimize the damage with some good exercise. For example, if you already spend 30 minutes using a treadmill every day, try to add another 15 minutes during this time of year.
Managing your weight during the holidays can seem like an uphill climb, and it's going to be hard to resist all the delectable treats that you know are waiting for you. However, with a little planning and discipline, you can survive without getting the extra pounds and, after the fact, you will be so thankful that you did. These little tips will help you avoid the extra weight and will help you enjoy the holidays without stressing out.
