A Little Holiday Exercise Can Help Prevent Seasonal Weight Gain

No matter what time of year they occur, holiday or special events in our Western culture are one of the biggest contributors to annual weight gain in healthy adults. However, there is nothing wrong with the Holidays, as long as you keep a close eye on your eating behaviors. Instead of making a New Year's resolution to lose weight, make a seasonal resolution not to gain weight. That way you will already be months ahead on your weight loss journey. However, you will need to celebrate occasions without overindulging in tempting treats. Although holiday weight gain is a popular topic in the media every year, research studies suggest participants actually gained a little over a pound. Unfortunately, few people lose their extra baggage once it is gained.

• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - Between holiday shopping, parties and family travel, the winter holiday season can leave you short on time and sleep. Nonetheless, a lack of quality sleep increases your chances of holiday weight gain due to unsatisfactory sleep.
• AVOID LIQUID CALORIES - A popular source for empty calories during the winter holidays are the numerous festive drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. These can be loaded with hidden calories and may disrupt a good night's sleep.
• EAT IN SMALLER GROUPS - Since one university study found that dining with six or more people increases the amount of food that each person consume, opt to sit with a smaller group of healthier eaters whenever possible.
• COMMIT TO HOLIDAY EXERCISE - By optimizing your diet and holiday exercise regimen, you can lose weight regardless of the seasonal influences. Although this will not be pure fat loss, it may be the kick start you need to follow a sustainable diet throughout the holidays rather than relying on post-holiday crash dieting.
• BE SELECTIVE BUT EAT - Select nutritious low-calorie alternatives to sugary, fatty treats. By making smart substitutions throughout the holiday season, you can avoid weight gain and may be able to get a head start on shedding unwanted pounds.
• USE WILLPOWER SMARTLY - You will be much less likely to spot a holiday treat that you simply can't resist if you socialize away from the food table. When attending a holiday party or dinner, never stand around or settle into a sofa next to a table filled with temptation.

It is never easy to watch your weight with all the parties, dinners and gatherings during the winter holiday season. However, studies suggest if you survive the six-week stretch without gaining weight, your chance for post-holiday weight loss greatly improves. During the actual holidays, it may be unrealistic to think about losing weight. Maintaining weight and living healthy are realistic goals to set during the winter holidays. Plan so you know what you will be eating at a holiday function and focus on making smart choices every day. One unhealthy meal over the holidays is not going to wreck your meal. Conversely, eating a big salad is not going to trigger weight loss. Nonetheless, choose wisely throughout the winter holidays and select nutrient dense foods while avoiding empty calories in what you eat and drink.

The Holidays wouldn't be the Holidays without feasting on tempting seasonal treats. Visit Metabolic Research Center's Recipes Section for weight-friendly options for pumpkin spice pancakes, easy crock pot brownies, apple pie cheesecake, caramel corn or vanilla bread pudding to make your winter holidays special.