Weigh Yourself Daily to Better Manage Holiday Indulgences

New research from Cornell University's Food and Brand Lab studied weight patterns for more than 3,000 participants from around the globe. In the United States, weight tended to increase from October until about ten days after Christmas. Although about half the weight was lost quickly, shedding the rest took about five months. Fact is, every day of the year poses challenges to commitment to controlling your weight and the winter holidays shouldn't be any different. If you want to maintain your current weight or shed pounds during this time, you have to stay in control one day at a time. There is nothing wrong with the Holidays, as long as you keep a close eye on your eating behaviors. Do not use the winter season as an excuse for before and after the actual Holiday.

• ENJOY DINING WITH OTHERS - Results of a recent study suggests that at a big sit down dinner it is best to be the last one to start eating and the second person to stop. This keeps your meal from lasting too long and helps temper decisions regarding second helpings of calorie-rich foods.
• GET EXTRA REST - During the winter holiday season, it is easy to forget to relax. With all the feasting and family outings, many people feel holiday anxiety, stress and even sadness as they feel overwhelmed by the demands being placed on them.
• AVOID HIDDEN CALORIES - Stick to calorie-free or low-calorie drinks, such as water, tea or seltzer. Alcohol not only contributes to caloric intake it can lead to poor judgments about what you eat and drink as the party goes on. A healthy option is to alternate between a wine seltzer and water with a slice of lime. Focus on the conversations and you'll feel better about yourself tomorrow.
• EAT WATER-RICH FOODS - Fresh vegetables such as celery, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, tomato and zucchini contain over 90 percent water. Moreover, vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants, minerals and fiber to support a healthy weight.
• ADD A HOLIDAY EXERCISE - By optimizing your diet and holiday exercise regimen, you can lose weight regardless of the seasonal influences. Although this will not be pure fat loss, it may be the kick start you need to follow a sustainable diet throughout the holidays rather than relying on post-holiday crash dieting.
• USE YOUR WILLPOWER - A good way to boost your willpower is never leave home hungry. A quick protein snack can help mute the lure of fast foods or the smell of fresh baked goods. Holiday vendors purposefully coax their tempting aromas your way.

You do not have to deprive yourself over the winter holidays by only eating boring foods. Instead, practice a bit of defensive eating and cooking, so you get through the winter holidays without forcing yourself into a New Year's resolution to lose weight. 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. One unhealthy meal over the holidays is not going to wreck your plan. Conversely, eating a big salad is not going to trigger weight loss. Nonetheless, choose wisely throughout the winter holidays and select nutrient dense foods while avoiding empty calories in what you eat and drink.

Have you been searching online for weight-loss friendly holiday recipes? Visit Metabolic Research Center to download our recipes for pumpkin spiced candied bacon, holiday deviled eggs, pumpkin spiced chocolate truffles and the best burgers for your holiday BBQ.