Surviving the Holidays
It is that time of year again when we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays. The holidays are filled with lots of tasty food, seasonal goodies, and cheer that can/may result in a few extra pounds that can wrap around your middle.
Dangerous pounds! Research shows that most adults will gain a few pounds over the holidays. Not only will they gain a few pounds but they’ll also lose one or two of those added pounds, and then usually hold onto at least one pound each year. This slow and steady weight gain creeps up on us over the years and can lead to adults becoming overweight by middle age.
You can take pleasure in the holidays and enjoy delicious foods. The holidays shouldn’t be a time of deprivation; no one wants to face Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any holiday party without being able to enjoy their favorite foods. The key is having a plan so that you can avoid the annual trap of gaining weight. Here are a few tips that will help you this holiday season:
- Keep up your regular physical activity. Make sure to get in a good workout on the day of the party or event. NO excuses!
- Eat a small, nutritious snack before leaving for the party. Sometimes we show up to the party famished. A small snack will help take the edge off of your appetite and allow you to resist the hors d’oeuvres, saving your calories for the meal.
- Watch your alcohol calories – they add up fast! Alternate alcoholic beverages with non-calorie beverages such as sparkling water.
- Look over all the food offerings before you decide what you are going to eat. If there are foods that you love but know are decadently rich, just sample a tasting portion.
- Eat slowly and savor every bite.
- Don’t linger around the food table! Move to another location that is less tempting.
- Portion control and moderation are the keys to success (our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs!)
Remember that social gatherings during the holidays are a time to embrace and give thanks for our family and friends. Spend less time focused on food and more time enjoying the camaraderie of your loved ones. Holiday time does not need to be synonymous with weight gain. Make this your year not to gain those few extra pounds that you adamantly proclaim to lose on New Year’s Day.
Happy Holidays!
