How to Get Through the Holidays Without Gaining Weight

It's very common for people to gain weight over the holiday season. After all, there is just so much good food around at this time of year! Studies show that most people gain anywhere from one to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's, and it can be quite a challenge to take this weight off after the holidays are over. Try these tips to minimize holiday weight gain.

Don't try to skip all the treats this holiday season. You'll end up feeling deprived, which may result in giving up on watching what you eat altogether and binging on goodies.

Instead of trying to skip treats altogether, choose your treats wisely. Don't sample all five kinds of Christmas cookies on the tray, but enjoy one of your favorites.

Enjoy your favorite treats in moderation. It's probably not a good idea to guzzle half a gallon of eggnog, but half a glass should be OK.

Look for low calorie, low fat, low sugar alternatives to your favorite recipes. Try baking with Splenda instead of sugar. Try a no sugar added apple pie instead of pecan pie.

Try eating a light, healthy snack before going to holiday parties. If you're not starving when you get to the party, you won't be so tempted to gorge on junk food.

You can also consider bringing a dish to holiday parties. That way you make sure a healthy choice is available. Your hosts will probably appreciate the gesture.

If you go to a holiday party that has a buffet, fill your plate with a modest amount of food and then move away from the buffet table. Don't stand at the buffet table and eat.

Watch out for liquid calories. Soda, alcoholic beverages, and eggnog are all high in calories. Try some flavored water or iced tea instead and save your calories for food you can actually chew.

When you're busy with holiday shopping, it's easy to pick up some fast food at the mall. Don't do it. Either look for healthy food options at the food court, or take a healthy snack with you when you go out shopping for the day.

Many people give food as gifts during the holiday season, and it's usually unhealthy food. Don't eat it all yourself. If someone gives you a cheesecake or a tin of cookies, take them to work with you to share with your coworkers or give them to en elderly neighbor who is alone for the holidays.

Make time to exercise during the holidays. It is a busy time of year and it's easy to let the exercise go, but getting some regular exercise will help ensure you don't pack on the pounds. Even just doing a couple extra laps around the mall when you're shopping will help.

Sources:

Dulce Zamora. http://www.medicinenet.com/holiday_weight_management/article.htm. Holiday Weight Management: Surviving Feasting Season.