Drink Water for the Holidays to Increase Your Metabolic Rate

Is it possible to celebrate the winter holiday season without gaining weight? Yes, it is. Studies have shown that planning for the parties, socials, dinners and family gatherings ahead of time can significantly reduce your risks of overindulging in what you eat and drink. Mindful eating says you can have a slice of pie but only if you made room for it. Nonetheless, consciously choose what you really want to it, eat it slowly, eat it without distractions and savor every bite to slow weight gain without deprivation, sacrifice or guilt. Experts say that if you pick the stuff you really want to eat and have it in moderation during the winter Holidays, you will avoid food cravings that can get you in trouble later on. Nevertheless, remember to use your willpower to keep your portion size in check. If you are in the middle of a weight loss journey that is visible to those who know you best, comments about you and your weight are likely to occur.

• DRINK MORE WATER - Water is extremely important for your metabolism to function optimally, which makes it crucial for weight loss and weight management. Studies have shown that consuming eighteen ounces of water a day can increase your metabolic rate by up to 30 percent.
• INTERMITTENT FASTING WORKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Learning "how to fast" will give you the option of applying it as a standalone strategy for managing seasonal disruptions or combining it with other interventions to keep your weight loss program on track throughout the holidays.
• HOLIDAY EXERCISE - If you know that you are going to overeat, there are things you can do to limit the negative impact of eating behaviors. For example, if you exercise routinely, the keep your normal workout routine throughout the holidays. If you don't train regularly, try to be more active every day that you choose to overeat.
• LEARN HOW TO USE WILLPOWER - You can enjoy the winter holidays and eat well by enjoying the tempting seasonal foods you choose to eat in moderation. Indulging a little on a holiday won't hurt but don't ignore your food strategies for weeks at a time. Moreover, look for places where you can make healthier substitutions whether it is in the ingredients or the overall dish.
• PORTION FOOD SIZES - Holiday parties and potluck dinners are common during the holidays but these celebrations can be enjoyed without wreaking havoc on your diet. Since there is a natural tendency to eat more as you sample dishes, make it harder to overeat by using a smaller plate.
• CONCENTRATE ON YOUR MEAL - Break away from the conversation as you approach the food table to give yourself a moment to survey your food options. Skip anything you don't care for or that you can have any day of the week. That way you should have room to enjoy those seasonal food options that you truly crave. Nonetheless, it's not a license to overindulge.

The winter holidays can evoke all kinds of emotional memories, some positive and others filled with anxieties. Even worse, a common response to dealing with negative emotions involves mindlessly eating more food. Studies show that overweight and obese people tend to gain more than one pound during the holidays. So, if you are already struggling with weight gain, then not having an eating plan for the holidays can put you at an increased risk for poor health. To avoid feeling completely drained when you ring in the New Year, you must empower yourself to manage what you eat, how you indulge in alcohol, what counter measures you employ to manage seasonal stress as well as what, when and how much you choose to eat.

Metabolic Research Center has lightened versions of your favorite holiday foods, including desserts and treats. Our seasonal recipes are easy to follow and simple to prepare and are guaranteed to help keep you on track throughout any holiday season.