Do you have a holiday plan to “Maintain-NOT-Gain” weight this season?
Holidays are approaching. It is easy to over-eat and skip workouts for the next few months. Too much to do, holiday stress, and “unhealthy foods” abound. Take control of your holidays with a little planning and some healthy habits. Remember, the easiest way to keep off the pounds is to burn off as many calories as you take in. If you are eating more, you need to burn more off with exercise.
Try these suggestions:
- Plan a post-meal walk. Announce this to your family before the meal and they may join you.
- Arrange a fitness workout with friends in the mornings or at lunch time. You will be more motivated to show up and participate.
- Stop eating when you are full. Sounds simple, right? Try using smaller plates and if you want to sample all the goodies at the party, use moderation.
- Drink a glass of water before each meal. This will make you feel fuller and eat less.
- Try roasting or steaming your healthy, fresh veggies. The power of produce will give you and your guests beneficial nutrients and fiber, with less fat.
- Avoid the recipes that call for a lot of unhealthy ingredients. Try using fat-free chicken broth to baste turkey and make gravy, reduce oil and butter wherever you can, and try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
- Go easy on the alcoholic beverages. Have a glass of water between each drink.
- Spend time socializing away from the buffet. ’Tis the season of family and friends, enjoy the time with them.
- Be realistic with yourself during the holidays and just focus on maintaining your current weight. The average American gains 1-2 pounds during the holidays, and these tend to be a permanent addition. www.webmd.com