Tips for Preventing Weight Gain During the Holidays

Did you know that the average American will gain 7lbs. this holiday season between Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years! The holiday season is about spending time with loved ones, lots and lots of parties, celebrating with friends and family, dressing up and yummy holiday feasts! What can you do to prevent the weight gain and fight the temptations of all those fattening foods?

Fill Up On The Good Stuff!

Fill up on healthy foods, so you don't have room for the bad ones. The best way to do this is when you are making out your plate fill 1/2 of your plate with veggies (any combination), 1/4 of your plate with meat (protein), and the other 1/4 of your plate with a starch such as rice or potatoes. If you find yourself wanting to snack while waiting for the main course, reach for the vegetable or fruit platters. Be wise on your food selections!

Don't Stop Your Workout Routine!

People usually workout less or stop working out altogether during the holiday season. It's a busy time of the year, all the rustling and bustling, so many people can't find time for exercise. All it takes is 30 minutes. People are recommended to exercise at least 30 minutes daily to obtain good health. So, find that time. Don't neglect your health. If you can't find time to hit the gym, go for a 30 minute walk, jog, or bike ride with the kids.

Portion Control!

You can still enjoy your favorite desserts during the holidays. Just don't cut out a huge slice of pie. Watch your portions. Get enough to taste that yummy goodness, not enough to fill you up - that's what dinner should have done. When it comes to managing your weight, it's not about dieting...it's all about portion control.

Don't Go For Seconds!

Never go for seconds. Make one plate. If you want to try everything on the table, that's fine. Just put a tiny portion of everything onto that one plate. Drink a lot of water while you're eating to help fill you up to prevent an unsatisfied belly. And remember you'll need to save room for a tiny portion of dessert too!

Fight The Winter Blues!

There are a lot of people that get the Winter blues. This depressed mood usually starts in the Fall and continues through the Winter, until Spring approaches. As the days become shorter and the hours of sunlight decrease, people experience a major change in their mood, including their energy levels. This is caused by unstable melatonin and serotonin levels because of that decrease in exposure to sunlight. These unstable hormones tend to make people crave carbohydrate-rich foods (chocolate, soda, junk food). A way to fulfill that craving is to fill up on complex and simple carbohydrates (rice, pastas, fruits, fruit juices), and stay away from the unhealthy snacks which may relieve you at first, but ultimately cause a decrease in energy. One of the best ways to combat the Winter blues is exercise. Exercise improves the mood and stress by increasing serotonin levels. So go for a walk, run in the park, go skiing or sledding, have a snowball fight!