Wouldn't It Be Great if Holiday Weight Gain Could Be Put Away Like Decorations?

Unfortunately, excess weight doesn't just go away. Moreover, it takes careful planning to keep for falling into the holiday sink hole. It is definitely not easy to stay slim, especially during the winter holidays. According to recent studies, avoiding holiday weight gain is an important lesson that we all need to learn. If not, we will likely have a price to pay later on. The problem with weight gain during the winter holidays is that most of the people surveyed never make a commitment to losing it. Nonetheless, there is more to life than over eating, and weight gain can be managed, if you start by being honest with yourself. It is the way to stay on track during the winter holiday season so create an eating strategy that will work for you and stick to it.

• FOCUS ON YOUR MEAL - Party conversation during the holidays is common but it is also natural to chow down once you've finished chatting. Try to focus on chewing your food and allow yourself to enjoy every bite rather than see how much food can consume.
• DRINK MORE WATER - People often mistake thirst for hunger, so during the Holidays, reach for a glass water anytime you feel hungry as well as before you sit down to a meal. It also helps to continue drinking water (you can add a lemon or lime slice) as you eat to add volume to your meal.
• WORK YOUR PLAN - Avoiding sugar does not only mean to avoid refined white sugar but also foods that are high in added sugars. Processed foods and baked goods contain huge amounts of sugar but may be advertised as fat-free or high in fiber. Also, watch for hidden sugar in restaurant foods like Asian fare.
• HOLIDAY EXERCISE - You can keep the inevitable indulgences in check by staying active and exercising during the winter holidays. If you can, enjoy some winter sports like snowboarding or ice skating for a seasonal change of pace. Moreover, a quick walk of gym workout before you head out socializing, can temper your appetite.
• BE PICKY BUT EAT - During the holidays, you should eat mostly whole, single-ingredient foods while avoiding foods that are highly processed. If you base your non-celebratory meals during the week on consuming lean protein and low-carb vegetables, a taste of holiday treats won't endanger your dietary plans.
• PORTION FOOD SIZES - It is easy to fall into the trap of overeating healthy foods during the holidays. Just because the food choice is good for you, doesn't mean you can overindulge. Always beware of portion sizes when making decisions about what your eat.

Since the average weight gain during the holidays is closer to a pound than the ten pounds that it feels like in January, you would think that to be good news. Unfortunately, many people gain a couple of pounds a year and never take it off. In twenty years, that's 40 unwanted pounds that are potentially life threatening. No wonder so many Americans are overweight. Nonetheless, your mindset can have a tremendous effect on your success in managing your weight during the winter holidays. In fact, adopting a positive attitude is essential in maintaining your belief that you can enjoy every occasion this year without fighting the battle of the bulge. A conscious indulgence during the holidays is a planned exception that allows you to have a seasonal treat as part of being an empowered eater.

During one-on-one visits at Metabolic Research Center, you will discuss your entire weight loss experience from what you eat to why you are eating it. To get a head start for shedding unwanted weight, call or stop by for a free weight loss consultation and visit MRC online for weight loss friendly Holiday treats.