Can You Celebrate the Holidays Without Gaining Weight?

Studies have shown that planning for the Holiday parties, socials, dinners and family gatherings ahead of time can significantly reduce your risks of overindulging in what you eat and drink. Planning your holiday fun can help you keep up with a healthy diet and focus on your long-term goal of losing weight with all that is going during the winter holidays. Moreover, it is important to remember that a couple of special days does not justify six days of over indulgence. Unfortunately, excess weight doesn't just go away and it takes careful planning to keep for falling into the holiday sinkhole. Men and women who have battle weight gain, and weight loss, for years will find the holiday season difficult. However, there's more to it than simply overeating. This time of year is stressful and sleep disturbances are common.

• 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 - Put yourself in charge of your party choices. If you bring an 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 - 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 - Intermittent fasting during the holidays can provide you with controlled opportunities to empower yourself through your daily dietary interventions. Moreover, studies have shown it can improve brain function and mood.
• GET PLENTY OF REST - Take some deep breaths before you go to bed. Research studies have shown that women who practice stress reduction during the holidays are able to prevent weight gain by making better food decisions.
• AVOID LIQUID CALORIES - When you arrive at a holiday function, start with a low-calorie, non-alcoholic drink like sparkling water with a slice of lime. This will help quench your thirst and satisfy feelings of hunger. As a strategy, try to alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones for the remainder of the evening.
• CONSUME WATER-RICH FOODS - Water is your body's primary component accounting for about 60% of your body weight. Water regulates temperature and flushes toxins as well as transports nutrients to cells. Water-rich fruits and veggies are perfect for an all-in-one holiday snack or meal.

It is very important to remember what the winter holidays are all about. Celebrating and connecting with friends and family should make it easier to focus on having fun with less focus placed on food options. The winter holiday season can be difficult when everyone around you are letting their hair down and festively partaking of food and drink. Keeping your commitment to yourself is a little easier if you stick to your chosen eating plan. Moreover, if you keep yourself in a good place mentally, you are more likely to succeed at your weight loss goals. So don't let a couple of seasonal meals ruin all the hard work you've done to manage the winter holidays.

Metabolic Research Center offers a variety of classes and activities to help educate you and keep you engaged throughout your weight loss journey. Don't wait until next year. To get started on your journey, stop by today and enjoy the Holidays at a MRC near you.