Stay Active with Friends and Family During the Holidays

It is easy to procrastinate and use the Holiday Season as an excuse to postpone getting the body your want until next year. However, the best time to fulfill your weight loss goals is to start your journey before the holidays and manage your nutrition to help your metabolism rather than slow it down. If you are serious about losing weight next year, then you should consider starting your journey now by making a commitment to avoid further weight gain. During the holidays, many people make drastic statements about their plans for losing weight next year. However, many dietitians say pump the brakes and take small steps instead. In fact, taking small steps during the holidays will likely put you on the fast track for successful weight loss.

• ENJOY TIME WITH FRIENDS - After a meal, keep moving and add a little physical activity to your day. It is a perfect time to take a walk and catch up with a friend or family member. If there are kids around, channel their holiday energy into a game of tag.
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - Going out more and staying up later are common sleep demons that tend to surface over the winter holidays. Unfortunately, it is not the time of year to cut back on sleep. Sleep loss can cause your body to crave high fat and sugar-laden foods highlighted by mindless eating behaviors.
• 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.
• CONSUME WATER-RICH FOODS - Whether you making finger foods or a full meal, don't forget to prepare fruits and vegetables in ways that highlight natural flavors by adding healthy seasonal herbs and spices. Water-rich foods will keep you feeling full and well hydrated during this stressful time of year.
• DRAW A LINE IN THE SNOW - If you naturally like to take a stance and are someone who draws a line in the sand as a commitment, plan to stave off feelings of deprivation by allowing yourself a holiday cheat. Just remember, there are only a couple of holidays and the remaining days of the week should be managed as such.
• EAT MORE FRESH FOOD - If you prepare you holiday meals from scratch, you can stay on top of what you eat and prevent unwanted weight gain. Moreover, planning goes a long way towards preventing holiday pounds by allowing you to bring a healthy dish to share.
• INCLUDE HEALTHY FATS IN YOUR DIET - For many people, substituting healthy fats for the less healthy ones is an important component of their eating plan for the winter holidays. Avoid commercial baked goods and opt for grandma's treats. Moreover, you can find numerous ways to make ingredients healthier for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, snacks and treats.

You might have heard that calories don't count during the holidays. Unfortunately, most people use such logic to get them off the hook for weeks instead of the actual holiday. Nonetheless, somebody forgot to tell your body so you can expect "unexpected" weight gain. If you gain weight over the holidays, don't fret. Instead, immediately modify your plan with simple changes, such as eat all meals using a smaller plate, give up your sugary drinks, or place salad dressing on the side so you toss the ingredients. If you were able to stick to eating healthy during the winter holidays without feeling depressed, then congratulations. If you put on a pound or two of unwanted weight, don't fret. Remember, small adjustments can equal big results.

Metabolic Research Center offers a variety of weight loss strategies and personalized eating plans to match the unique needs and preferences of our clients. Stop by or call today to learn more about managing your weight over the upcoming winter holidays.