Eat Mindfully During the Winter Holidays to Avoid Weight Gain

Searching for tips on how to avoid food temptations during the winter holidays? A great place to start is never leave hungry to go shopping, attend a party or visit with friends and family. A quick protein snack can make it much easier to ignore distractions that can lead to unplanned eating. 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. Overindulging in food during a winter holiday is not only considered normal, it is one of the great enjoyments in life. After all, one day of overeating should be relatively easy to overcome. Unfortunately, most people experience about six weeks of overindulgence and between one to five pounds of weight gain.

• ADD HOLIDAY EXERCISE - It is easy for the holiday blues to zap your energy and make it harder to rally for a routine workout. Nonetheless, getting regular exercise, or even a little extra physical activity, can reduce cravings for comfort foods and restore your interests in your usual hobbies.
• 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 carb intake, you limit the source of fuel and your body will start burning fat as its primary energy source.
• FOCUS ON YOUR MEAL - When preparing holiday meals, snacks and treats, slash unwanted calories with easy swaps and substitutions. Eliminate excess calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugars that are hiding in traditional holiday foods and drinks.
• DRINK MORE WATER - From busy schedules to celebratory cocktails, making certain your body has enough water each day becomes more necessary during the winter holidays. Luckily, it will also help combat a post-party headache by making sure you stay hydrated for start through your night cap.
• BE FUSSY BUT EAT - Instead of avoiding tempting foods altogether, stave off those cravings that can get you in trouble later in the day, so go ahead and sample what you want but in moderation.
• AVOID LIQUID CALORIES - Anytime you're trying to manage your weight, it is best to limit your intake of high-calorie beverages. From sugary sodas to alcoholic beverages, these drinks can contribute a significant amount of empty calories, which can lead to weight gain. Moreover, alcohol and sugar-crashes can increase appetite.
• EAT WATER-RICH FOODS - Instead of trying to drink the recommended amount of water right before you walk out the door, opt for a water-rich fresh salad as a starter to boost your hydration. Water helps your digestive system move food through faster.

A study published in The BMJ last year suggests that after a brief intervention with a weight loss specialist participants were able to prevent weight gain in the population during the high risk holiday season through cognitive restraint of overeating. Maintaining a healthy diet over the holidays is all about managing the right balance of indulgence with good strategic planning. You know where most of the temptations lie, so without depriving yourself, find that sweet spot that allows you to enjoy holiday tradition without wreaking havoc on your body. Enjoy your holidays but achieve your weight loss goals with an effective holiday plan for food and drink. Achieving you goal, or even coming close, will give you another reason for celebrating your holiday cheer.

Visit Metabolic Research Center online and download our recipes for pumpkin spiced candied bacon, holiday deviled eggs, pumpkin spiced chocolate truffles, and the best grilled burgers for a holiday BBQ. These thrifty recipes can be prepared in your home to save money while creating a special meal that no one will forget.