Five Ways to Lose Weight During the Holiday Season

Each year most Americans gain an average of five pounds during the holiday season and spend the bulk of the new year trying to shed those pounds. Here are five great tips on how to lose weight during the holiday season.

Keep walking

The weather is cold and you just don't feel like exercising. However, all you need to do is walk at least 30 minutes a day for three or more days a week to keep your metabolism from slowing down.

Skip the Alcohol

Holidays are a popular time of the year for individuals to splurge on alcoholic drinks. Did you know that a single 5 oz glass of red wine on average is about 106 calories? So skip the alcohol.

Entertain with less dessert

For some reason, guests often bring desserts to dinner parties and the host wind up with too many left over desserts. So, if you are hosting a party, kindly remind the guests that you will be providing dessert. As a party guest, you can bring a great homemade scrapbook or decorative candles that would be appreciated by all.

Announce it to the world

If you are set on a goal to lose or just not gain weight during the holiday season, tell your family and friends. They may be cynical (then you can prove them wrong) or supportive (then they will be cheering you on), either way, when you let others know your weight goal, you're more likely to stick with it.

Plan for the new you

Don't wait to buy that dress or outfit that you always wanted to wear but cannot fit. Just keep it hung in front of your refrigerator or in your pantry. You will be constantly reminded to keep your weight goals in mind.

Finally, enjoy the holidays but expect to feel stressed and maybe a bit blue during the season. When we find time to spend with family and friends, gatherings are joyous yet stressful. Take time for yourself to unwind and that may be the best holiday gift you give to yourself.