Add Water Rich Foods to Your Holiday Meal Plan

During the fall and winter holidays, you are likely volunteering for something, gift shopping for everyone you know, hopping from one party to the next but not cooking healthy meals at home or hitting the gym at sunrise. Nonetheless, the winter holidays are one of the biggest contributors to America's total annual weight gain. Nonetheless, doctors say that holiday weight is not inevitable and not as much of a problem as the fact that most people never lose their holiday weight. To avoid packing on the pounds over the holidays, you will need some simple strategies for preventing weight gain. Our seasonal holidays certainly encourage overeating, sedentary behavior and eating calorie-dense foods. This is why holiday weight gain in America results in an average adult weight gain of a little more than a pound from the middle of November to mid-January.

• EAT WATER-RICH FOODS - When it comes to staying well hydrated during the winter holidays, consider stocking your refrigerator with fresh, crisp hydrating foods. Foods that are super-packed with water can help with weight control because it keeps you feeling full and flushes toxins out of your body.
• CHOOSE YOUR TABLE MATES - Obviously, there is strength in numbers. Since one university study found that dining with six or more people increases the amount of food that each person consumes, opt to sit with a smaller group of healthier eaters whenever possible.
• GET PLENTY OF REST - Make your bedroom your sanctuary by minimizing holiday activities. Use another room to wrap presents and don't allow kids to sleep with you just because they are excited about the holidays. It can actually disrupt both your night's sleep.
• 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.
• ADD 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.
• USE WILLPOWER - Although you can plan to eat a little more on the actual holidays, being more flexible with eating behaviors for weeks at a time is not adequate for weight control. Allow yourself an indulgence when the mood strikes, then immediately switch back to controlled mode.

To avoid feeling completely drained when you ring in the New Year, you must empower yourself to manage what you eat, how you indulge in alcohol, what counter measures you employ to manage seasonal stress as well as what, when and how much you choose to eat. Except for the fortunate few, avoiding weight gain over the winter holidays is a tough task. So, why make it any harder by overindulging in foods that don't line up with your goals? Create your own healthier versions of your favorite holiday foods using fresh produce, lean proteins and healthy fats. Since restricting every tempting bite during the winter holiday season is not a sustainable weight loss strategy, consider a smarter approach that doesn't involve throwing in the towel.

Visit Metabolic Research Center online and download our Holiday recipes for pumpkin spiced candied bacon, holiday deviled eggs, pumpkin spiced chocolate truffles, and Holiday grilled burgers.