Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Is holiday weight gain synonymous with your holiday season? You probably aren’t alone.

This holiday season, mirror Santa’s mirth, not his girth

With holiday parties, Christmas cookies, bottles of bubbly… it is not surprising that we tend to get more than wrapped presents over the holiday season. Weight gain is a common complaint I hear from my clients. And, what’s worse, they think they have no choice. “I have to eat- it would be rude not to!”

The good news is you can address your waistline over the holidays without missing out on the fun. To be realistic, focus on the goal of maintaining your weight rather than gaining pounds.

Here are the top 5 tips to keeping a healthy waistline this holiday season:
1. Eat mindfully: So often we feel guilty about consuming a sweet that we shove it down our throats without really tasting it. What’s the use in that? Want to have one of those decadent chocolates that seems to be staring at you? Then do it. And enjoy ever bite of it. Really focus on what it tastes like, chew it slowly, concentrate on how good it is. You will end up getting more joy out of it and eating less.
2. Stop the all-or-nothing mentality: Another common eating issue is “all-or-nothing” eating. It goes something like this. “I was trying to be so ‘good’ but then I ate a cookie. I already had one, so I might as well eat the rest of the plate.” You know what I am talking about. This makes no sense. Allow yourself to enjoy ONE, and eat mindfully, as above.
3. Have a drink of water, that is: when we are dehydrated, we tend to interpret this sensation as being hungry, which causes us to consume more calories than we need. And, for some reason, people tend to forget to stay hydrated during colder months. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Your entire body will benefit. Drinking water will also help you consume less alcohol. Alcohol can affect your weight from both the increased caloric intake and the reduced inhibitions when it is clouding your judgment.
4. Get moving: Of course exercise is a great way to ward off the pounds, as well as reduce stress, feel happier and even boost your self-confidence. But getting to the gym is not always easy, especially with the increased demands of the holidays. So look for ways to be more active, even if just for a few minutes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park father away from whatever door you will be going in, jump on the bed, put on some tunes and dance . Any activity is better than none.
5. Eat a snack: So often my clients say to me “I have a party tonight so I am not going to eat anything all day” as if their deprivation will make up for the later over indulgence. In reality, going to a party starving will result in you eating more, making less healthy choices and feeling the effects on any alcohol you may consume even more quickly (which can lead to further disinhibition, among other problems). Enjoy a healthy snack before you go to a party, such as some fruit and a few nuts. You will make better choices while you are out. Also, bring healthy snacks with you, when you are out doing your holidays shopping.

Take these five steps to avoid holiday weight gain. You will be a healthier and happier you!