Turn Water into a Weight-Loss Friendly Seasonal Drink

Nobody wants to start the New Year in the hole, weight wise. However, to manage your weight during the holidays, you must believe you can have seasonal fun without throwing away your weight loss friendly habits. The human body can be quite remarkable in its ability to maintain a stable weight. Unfortunately, in our country, many overweight people gradually gain weight every year and never make the effort to lose it and keep it off. Along with watching what you eat, it is important to monitor what you do during the holidays. Common holiday traditions involve more sedentary activities, like sitting on the sofa and talking with family and friends. Even a short family walk can prove beneficial for weight control. Stay engaged at the dinner table, be grateful for the holiday gathering, and enjoy yourself. But, don't let one day of exceptions turn into five.

• ENGAGE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY - Although running errands is not the same as jogging, the more active you stay the better off you will be as you work your way through the six tempting weeks of the Holidays. If possible, shovel some snow, go sledding, take a relaxing hike or hit the ice rink for some holiday skate time.
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - During the winter holiday season, it is easy to forget to actually rest and relax. With all the feasting and family, many people feel holiday anxiety, stress and even sadness as they feel overwhelmed by the demands being placed on them.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• LEARN TO USE WILLPOWER - Your willpower can use a boost this time of year, so be proactive and help control the risk for seasonal temptations. It is a good idea to clear your personal spaces of tempting holiday goodies. At the office, keep some healthy protein snacks close by. At home, either bake in small amounts for you or share your treats with family and friends.

Although it is the season for festivities, social gatherings and sit-down family dinners, the winter holiday season does not have to be a time when you pack on the pounds. In fact, simple strategies can go a long way in preventing holiday weight gain. The winter holidays can evoke all kinds of emotional memories, some positive and others filled with anxieties. Even worse, a common response to dealing with negative emotions involves mindlessly eating more food. 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. Nonetheless, you have to make certain you only indulge this way and with few deviations.

Metabolic Research Center has calorie-reduced versions of many Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's dishes, snacks and drinks, such as our MRC Mock Margarita. Visit our Recipe Section to learn more, bring one of our healthy dishes to your next party, and wow your friends and family.