Holiday weight gain.
We have all heard about or experienced it. During fall and winter the temperature keeps dropping and the sun sets earlier. Consequently, we feel more tired compared to summer time. We are much more drawn to the couch, a warming fire, and a cozy blanket instead of being active or working out. And then there are all the holiday snacks…
We want to eat comforting meals and sweet desserts. Stores are booming with treats during the holiday season. I eat pretty healthy but I still fall into bad snacking habits during this time of the year. You can probably relate to the holiday temptations, so today I would like to share some easy tips on how to avoid holiday weight gain.
Easy Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Try to follow as many of the tips below but don’t worry if you can’t stick to all of them, following only a few tips can reduce holiday weight gain. Do you have another great tip that is not listed? Please share in the comments below!
Tip #1: Avoid fasting
I had a family member who would not eat all day just to eat more during the Christmas dinner and ultimately ended up sick. Don’t think you are saving calories by fasting all day just so you can eat more during the feast. You’ll end up eating even more calories and such a large amount of food all at once will disturb your digestive health. It is better to eat a normal sized breakfast and lunch before the holiday meal. You can stop snacking during the day and make sure to eat healthful meals.
Tip #2: Ignore peer pressure
During holiday meals other people often tell you to eat more and they come up with various reasons why you should. However, these reasons don’t make any sense. In my opinion, these people just want you to eat more so they feel better about their own eating habits. I understand the urge to eat more because it is a special meal. Instead, eat your meal slowly so you get to enjoy it longer.
Tip #3: Take brisk walks
I know, it is very hard for most people to start or stick to an exercise routine during cold winter months. I find it easy to take brisk walks through the neighborhood. These walks can be 10 minutes or longer. You can take multiple walks during the day and adjust the speed you are walking. Either way, walking in fresh air will boost your immune system, burn extra calories, and get your metabolism going again.
Related: 10 Minute Morning Weight Loss Workout
Tip #4: Start meal planning
Meal planning will make a big difference in your eating habits during the holiday season. Plan your recipes ahead of time and save time while grocery shopping and meal prepping. Plan your eating times and meals during the day to avoid fast food runs or unnecessary snacking. Eating before you get hungry will also help you to avoid cravings. If you have a hard time meal planning, check out these meal plan options:
Tip #5: Use grocery pick up services
This is my secret weapon. How often do you go into the grocery store but buy much more than on the shopping list?! I usually spend at least $15 more on random snacks. That’s why I love using Walmarts grocery pickup to get my groceries. With the pickup I can save time, money, and have more self control compared to shopping in the store.
Tip #6: Make water your BFF
Another easy hack for avoiding holiday weight gain is to drink lots of water and simultaneously ditch all the sugary drinks. Avoid juices and sodas and stick to water only. You can reduce your sugar and calories intake drastically by switching to water. And if you manage to drink lots of it, you will experience less hunger as well.
Related: Sweet Tea vs. Soda – Caffeine, Sugar, Health
Tip #7: Start volume eating
I wrote about volume eating in detail in my book. Volume eating is basically eating more grams (larger volume) of food for less calories. Vegetables, for example, are lower in calories compared to packaged snack food, therefore, you can eat much more of it. Vegetables will make you feel full much quicker and you’ll automatically ditch the additional unhealthy food. For lunch and dinner make sure to fill at least half of your plate with steamed vegetables. This is such an easy adjustment to your diet and it will help reduce calories drastically.
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