Holiday Season Tricks Avoid Any Added Pounds
When it comes to your food intake this holiday season, will you be on the naughty list or the nice list? A study by Cornell University showed that the pounds you put on during the holiday season can take up to five months to loose! We know it’s difficult to commit to a perfect diet this time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you have to neglect your heath. These small changes can help to keep the added pounds away this holiday season:
Before you go out, have a snack! Going into a holiday party hungry can lead to overeating. Pack yourself some snacks to defend against unneeded eating. Keep fruit, trail mix, or a granola bar in your pocket or purse to use as a weapon against overeating on unhealthy holiday options.
Water is your friend! It can be easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold outside, so don’t make that mistake. Drinking water kick starts your metabolism and makes you feel fuller. Before you get to the party, have yourself a bottle of water. This will leave less room for high calorie foods.
Protein is power! Holiday spreads are typically filled with carbohydrates and are high in fat. Think about what you put on your plate; filling a plate with meat, poultry, and beans can make you feel full without the high calories.
Drink responsibly! Not only do we not want you to not drink and drive, we also want you to be aware of the drinks that you choose. Stay away from mixing alcohol with sugary or high fat mixers, like eggnog. Stick to clear cocktails, like your alcohol of choice mixed with tonic water and lemon.
Take a time out! We know this time of year can be stressful, but don’t let that lead to emotional eating. Schedule yourself a mental break throughout your week, even if it’s only 5 minutes in your day to close your eyes and do some deep breathing. If you really need a tool to avoid eating to cope, write down everything you eat, that will help you be aware of the slippery slope you might be getting close to.
Walk it out! Tie up your sneakers and enjoy the crisp winter air and the neighborhood holiday lights. A simple walk can help to combat the added calorie intake. Physical activity is always a great way to keep the pounds off and stress away.
Remember these tips and you’ll keep your calorie intake this holiday season under control. Stay happy and healthy!