1. Eat before you go. This may sound like a sure way to gain some weight, but filling up on healthy foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, and yogurt before you arrive to the dinner table is the best way to make sure you don't over eat. At dinner, take a tablespoon-ish size helping of your favorite foods, and eat slowly.
2. Drink, a lot! Sorry, I'm not talking about alcohol – I'm talking about water. Yep. Drink a glass of water before you arrive at the holiday party, then drink one while you're eating as well. You might be heading to the bathroom every few minutes, but it sure beats gaining 10 pounds from eating everything in sight, right?
3. Lose focus. Yep, that's right – stop focusing on food! I know that holidays are all about the food sometimes, but try to find something else to keep your mind focused on. Perhaps walking outside if you need a breath of fresh air, or even watching TV. No, you're not being active, but you're avoiding the food!
4. Avoid dips. Sauces and dips are almost always high in calories. Eat the shrimp cocktail, eat the fruit kabobs, and even eat the salad – but avoid the dips. Or better yet, use some greek yogurt and make your own.
5. Love it. If you don't love it, why are you wasting calories on it? When you see that delicious dessert buffet, I know it's tempting to eat one of each. Trust me, I know! But don't. You'll end up feeling guilty later, and your pants will be tighter… so pick one or two that you love, and enjoy every bite.
6. Wait it out. If you really want something that is unhealthy, think about how many calories it is (guesstimate – on the high side). Is it worth that many minutes (or hours) in the gym? Is it worth potentially setting yourself back? What about just taking a bite or two? That usually conquers the craving. If all else fails, drink some water while waiting 10 minutes. Did the craving pass? If not, go ahead and have a few bites. If so, victory!!
7. Give yourself a break. Don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up. It happens to the best of us. Just focus on getting back on track. Not next week, not “on Monday”, not the next day – right at that very moment. If you pig out at lunch, you should be on track by dinner. Have something light, and drink LOTS of water!
8. Walk it off! It's usually chilly (or freezing) outside when the holidays roll around. If it is, walking outside would be miserable… so if you can't walk it off outside, walk it off inside! Walk Away the Pounds DVDs are a great way to get your walking in without freezing your tush off! There are 1-mile walks available, all the way up to 5-mile walks! Talk about calorie scorching!
What are your best tips for avoiding weight gain during the holidays?
More Fitness Tips:
- Ways to Get Fit on a Budget
- 10 Simple Changes to Help You Lose Weight
- Indoor Exercises for When the Weather is Bad
- 10 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget without Compromising on Flavor
Sadie shares her weight loss tips on her blog Slap Dash Mom.
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