Manage Portion Sizes for Zero Holiday Weight Gain

No wonder so many Americans are overweight. It is definitely not easy to stay slim, especially during the winter holidays. Nonetheless, there is more to life than eating and even weight gain can be properly managed. During the winter holidays, starting your morning with an exercise routine or brisk walk can provide unique benefits for weight control. A study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise concluded that women who exercise in the morning responded less to photos of tempting foods and said they moved more the rest of their day. Mindful eating says you can have a slice of pie but only if you made room for it. Nonetheless, consciously choose what you really want to it, eat it slowly, eat it without distractions and savor every bite to slow weight gain without deprivation, sacrifice or guilt.

• 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 you eat.
• CONCENTRATE ON YOUR MEAL - When you are distracted at a social gathering where food is served, try this tip along with using a smaller plate. Once you've savored each bite of food, put your fork down and wait fifteen minutes for the food to settle. It also takes that long for your body to update your brain on your level of satiety.
• DRINK MORE WATER - Especially during the holidays, drink a glass of water before reaching for more food. You may actually be thirsty and not hungry. Moreover, you will feel fuller and your body will be better hydrated, so it is a win-win solution when you put water first.
• HOLIDAY FASTING WORKS - Intermittent fasting offers a simple approach with clear benefits for establishing sustainable eating behaviors that support permanent weight loss. In some religions, it is considered a healthier form of healing the body than today's fad diets based on food restrictions.
• GET PLENTY OF EXTRA REST - Between holiday shopping, parties and family travel, the winter holiday season can leave you short on time and sleep. Nonetheless, a lack of quality sleep increases your chances of holiday weight gain due to unsatisfactory sleep.
• 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.

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. Many people beat themselves up over what they cannot eat this time of year when all they really need to do is plan ahead and stick to their plan for controlled holiday indulgences. If you put on a little weight over the winter holidays, you're not alone. The good news is that you can shed the weight quickly by getting back on your pre-holiday routine, instead of setting yourself up for failure by being overly dramatic and relying on another New Year's resolution.

At Metabolic Research Center online, we provide a stellar collection of low-fat, less sodium options for pumpkin spice pancakes, easy crock pot brownies, apple pie cheesecake, caramel corn or vanilla bread pudding to make your winter holidays special. Visit us now and schedule your free weight loss consultation.