Gaining Holiday Pounds (...or Not)

It’s the end of November, and that means the holidays are just around the corner!  For most people, the holidays are an exciting time of year.  But between all the parties, shopping, wrapping, traveling, concerts, church programs and baked goods, it's also a time when people tend to gain weight.  Did you know that most people gain a couple of pounds in just six weeks’ time?  This may not seem like a lot, but it sure makes it harder to fit into that holiday dress or pants!
The good news is that weight gain during the holidays is preventable.  Here are some tips to help you avoid gaining excess pounds:

• Move – take a brisk walk before and after meals with family or friends
• Be smart – stay away from high-carb cookies and candies, keep snacks out of sight.
• Watch portion sizes – consider eating off smaller plates or try to measure your food intake
• Savor the meal – try to sit down and eat together, put electronics down and make the meal last 20 minutes!
• Get extra sleep – sleep deprivation will make you crabby and cause you to gain weight
• Control stress levels – create a 30-day to do list and try to check off items each day so that you are not so rushed at the end
• Fiber – fiber is hard to get in during the holidays so eat extra fruits and veggies so you don’t get backed up
• Taste testing – you have made this recipe 25 times, you don’t need to taste test every single thing you bake or cook before supper!
• Potluck – consider bringing a healthy dish to share, others might just like it!
• Dessert – yes you can have dessert, but try to pick only your favorite one
• Limit liquid calories in alcohol, soda and other sweetened beverages such as Egg Nog.
• Cheat on recipes and try to reduce calories when you are baking or cooking.  Quick ideas are use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese or sour cream.  Substitute applesauce and dried fruit instead of butter or oil.
  
• Weigh yourself every couple of days to keep yourself on track!
• Buddy up with someone who will keep you accountable for exercising and putting the fork down faster!
• Avoid fast food traps and eat a healthy snack at home so you are not tempted to overeat at a party.
• Make a new rule: no second or third helpings of anything this holiday season!
  

We are all human, so it’s important to understand that you might have a bad meal or two.  Don’t abandon your weight loss goals during the holidays.  Instead, simply move on and make a healthier choice the next time.  Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends and be thankful to be happy and healthy!