When I think of the holiday season, the first thing that comes to mind is FOOD. From holiday cookies to endless mugs of hot chocolate, holiday food is the absolute best. But unfortunately, with the abundance of heavy food and sweets, it is easy to gain some unwanted weight. But don’t fear, here are 5 ways to avoid the holiday weight gain:
1. Exercise
This one may seem obvious, but it’s hard to remember to get to the gym once the holiday season begins. Try to go to the gym or do an at-home workout at least three times a week until New Years! Also, the more you go to the gym, the more you can EAT!
2. Skip the Toppings
With all the Christmas ham and freshly baked turkey, it’s easy to want to smother your food with gravy and other delicious toppings. But let’s face it—these dishes are just as delicious without overloading them with sauces and garnishes. Try skipping or adding less of the toppings this year – I promise everything will still taste amazing!
3. Eating on a Smaller Plate
I know this trick can be hard during formal sit-down dinners, but try to eat your meals on a small plate rather than the regular serving plates. This way, you won’t be able to pile up your plate as much!
4. Slow down!
It’s tempting to stuff your face with everything on your plate as soon as the waiter places it in front of you, but… chill. No one is going to steal your food! Try taking smaller forkfuls and eating slower this year. Some say it takes at least 20 minutes to realize you are full. So give your body a chance to recognize all the food you just consumed. Going back for seconds may not be needed this year!
5. Don’t Arrive Hungry
During the holiday season, there are countless dinners and parties to attend. With these various soirees comes endless amounts of delicious pies, meats, and finger foods. It may seem logical to think “I’m gonna eat sooooo much pie tonight, so I’m going to skip lunch to prepare for this feast… maybe even breakfast too?” STOP… News flash: If you eat meals earlier in the day, you’ll be less likely to eat as much at the party. Don’t arrive to a party hungry; it’s just a recipe to eat even more.
I hope these 5 easy tricks will help you enjoy the holidays and avoid the holiday weight gain!
Photo sources: teamironman.com, tumblr.com, whatshoulducallme.tumblr.com, entmagazine.tumblr.com, randar.com, thehealthyapron.com