10 Tips To Avoid Packing On The Pounds This Holiday Season

The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year’s Day can be detrimental to your waistline.  Tis the season for overindulging.

All the parties, celebrations, and events can pack on the pounds, if you don't have a plan.

Perhaps you won't lose any weight during the holiday season, but with these tips you'll at least have fun maintaining your current weight and not add anymore around the middle.

1. Be Realistic - This is not the time to begin a new diet. Think about maintaining your weight, not about losing weight during the holiday season. Staying rigid can lead to over-eating. 

2. Eat Before The Party - Never arrive at a party or event hungry. Eating a light, healthy snack such as raw vegetables with salsa, an apple, or small green smoothie before an event or party, will leave you better equipped to make better food choices.

3. Rethink Baking - Love the idea of getting out the rolling pins, cookie cutters, and holiday apron? This year, replace your traditional fat and sugar laden recipes with healthy new ones. 

4. Don't Make It All About The Food - Spend more time "Decking the halls" and "Trimming the Tree" instead of making candy and cookies. Try to encourage family and friends to join you in games, nature walks, or crafts to take the focus off food.

5. Always Bring A Healthy Dish To The Party - At least you know you'll have one thing to eat if everything else is off limits. Plus others will probably be thankful for the healthy option.

6. Don't Drink Your Calories - Whether it's in the form of alcohol or sugary drinks, most beverages have way too many calories and unnecessary sugar. Try this low calorie spritzer instead: mix two ounces of wine, four ounces club soda, a splash of cranberry juice, and a hint of lime. 

7. Be The Last In Line For Buffets - When you are the first in line then you are usually finished by the time the last person starts and you will be more inclined to go back for seconds. Once others have picked through the buffet, it usually doesn't look as appetizing. By the time you finish and have thoughts of going back for seconds, there is often nothing left. 

8. Avoid Seconds - Avoiding second helpings can be a challenge, especially when there is an abundance of delicious foods. To avoid going back for seconds, firstly make sure that you start off with a reasonable plate of food. Chew your food slowly, and you will not only savor the taste and be more satisfied but your salivary juices will start breaking down the food, making it easier for your digestive system. Chances are you will be full by the time you've finished eating. 

9. Enjoy Your Favorites - Pick two or three of your favorite foods of the season and enjoy those in moderation.  No skipping meals - Even if you overeat at one meal, go light on the next. Have a small plate of raw vegetables with hummus, a simple salad, or a small bowl of soup. Skipping meals has been linked to increased glucose levels and even weight gain.

10. Don't Skip Out On Exercise - Between all the celebrations and everyday schedules, life can get extra hectic during the holiday season. Maintaining an exercise routine this time of year is very important. Exercise can not only help burn some of those extra calories you may be consuming, but it's also great for stress release.

For More Information:

http://www.hungryforchange.tv/article/10-tips-to-avoid-packing-on-the-pounds-this-festive-season