How to Avoid Those Extra Holiday Pounds

Published December 22, 2015 | By k0rbi3

How to Avoid Those Extra Holiday Pounds

The Holiday Season, that special time of year when extra calories lurk around every corner. Office parties, family gatherings, frosted cookies, chocolate in your stockings, eggnog or your other caloric beverage of choice. All these extras add up and before you know it, you’ll be tipping the scale a few pounds heavier by New Year’s Day. However, you don’t have to fall into this trap. It is possible to partake in the festivities while enjoying all the goodies without putting on a single pound. Follow these steps to make sure you don’t begin the New Year trying to make amends for the holidays.

Portion Control-Never arrives at a social gathering hungry! Follow your meal plan, avoid skipping meals and have a nutritious snack beforehand. If you do arrive hungry, remember to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will prevent you from filling your plate and consuming excess calories.
Pace Yourself-Eating slowly allows your digestive system to work and break down food. Putting your fork down between bites and really taking your time to enjoy your food puts you in control. Listen to your body it will let you know when you have had enough. Remember there’s more to a holiday party than just the food. Enjoy your friends, family, and company.
Limit Alcohol-Avoid drinking your calories. If you feel the need to drink, sip on water or diet drinks with zero calories. If this still isn’t enough, stick to lower alcohol drinks (e.g. white wines, lighter beers) and completely avoid cocktails, which are often as sweet as soda.
Be Choosy When It Comes To Sweets-Be very selective when it comes to dessert. Limit your indulgences to smaller portions and only when it is very sensual to you. Check out your options before serving.
Plan Ahead-Now that you’ve chosen what is worth splurging on, you have also decided what isn’t. Make your number one priority eating vegetables. Fill up on as many as you can, so at least the evening isn’t a net loss health-wise. Second priority, choose lean proteins and enough of it so you feel satisfied enough to avoid the uninspiring desserts that will inevitably appear later.

As you build your holiday hacking skills you are certain to experience many successes and many setbacks. Just keep your goals in mind and with determination you are to achieve and experience that satisfaction! For more tips on preventing holiday weight gain, getting in shape, eating healthy, weight training, health and wellness, or if you’re frustrated with your current level of fitness and have been thinking about hiring a personal trainer, contact us.