Have You Ever Gained 10 Pounds Over the Holidays?

Although many of us may have felt like it, recent studies now show that an American adult has an average weight gain during the holiday season of just one pound. Unfortunately, it might takes months, if ever, to shed the unwanted weight. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the best way to take the pressure off losing the extra pounds gained during the winter holidays is to eat mindfully for about six weeks and take a walk after your evening meal. Hidden calories are difficult to determine, whereas eating small amounts of your favorite holiday treats and avoiding samples of all the others can be more effective in managing your eating behaviors. It makes it easier to avoid temptations and overcome costly slipups. Excess holiday weight is the result of six weeks of making exceptions to your routine eating behaviors.

• PORTION FOOD SIZES - Cutting back on simple carbohydrates during the holidays can put you on track to lose weight faster. When you reduce your overall carbohydrate intake, you limit the source of fuel and your body will start burning fat as its primary energy source.
• HOLIDAY EXERCISE - Experts say that just ten minutes of cardio exercise added to your daily routine can counter the ill effects of the winter holiday season. You can even split up the ten minutes by fitting in some jumping jacks or running in place. It will help your body burn those calorie dense foods.
• CONCENTRATE ON YOUR MEAL - Put yourself in charge of your party choices. If you bring a appetizer or dessert that you prepared, you will have a healthy option that will satisfy your stomach without adding empty calories. Moreover, be conscious of the liquid calories that abound.
• DRINK MORE WATER - During the holiday season, always try to drink a glass of water before you eat. In fact, it is smart to add water to any alcoholic drink you enjoy, or at least drink a glass between rounds. Alcohol can produce a nasty post-party headache if you allow your body to become dehydrated. If the party you attend has finger foods, opt for water-rich fruits and veggie hors d'oeuvres like watermelon, celery or cucumbers.
• INTERMITTENT FASTING WORKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Restricted dietary intake based on periods of intermittent fasting is more about when you eat than what you eat. This can be extremely effective for use over the holidays since you can choose when to feast and when to fast. Nonetheless, you must avoid the temptation of skipping meals and then overeating to make up for it.
• BE PICKY BUT EAT - Every time you eat a meal, incorporate some fresh plant foods. Start your day with spinach omelet, have a salad for lunch and add at least one vegetable to your dinner meal. The extra fiber will keep you full with fewer calories consumed.

A simple holiday tip for avoiding temptations is to shop around the perimeter of the food store. That's where they keep the fresh, whole foods, so you start with healthier ingredients. However, you will need to avoid baked goods as they tend to have tons of hidden calories. All of the weight loss techniques in world will not work unless you adopt healthy strategies and commit to a specific plan for the winter holiday season. Remember, it is not just a couple of days. The winter holidays are a six-week season of unique and unusual temptations. To keep the winter holidays from having a big impact on your long-term health, create an eating plan and stick closely to your holiday strategies. You can enjoy all the people, sights and sounds without overindulging in seasonal treats.

Metabolic Research Center has healthier versions of your favorite holiday foods, including desserts and treats. Visit our online recipes for easy to follow and simple to prepare snacks, meals and treats that are guaranteed to help keep you on track throughout any holiday season.