Start Your Journey for Weight Control Now!

I suppose you could have a holiday without the food, but that just wouldn't be right. Unfortunately, our winter holidays are a Holiday Season filled with tempting calorie-rich foods. That said if you are serious about losing weight next year, then you should consider starting your journey for weight control now. Although the subject of weight gain comes up every year around the holiday season, researchers at Texas Tech University found that participants only gained about a pound and a half between Thanksgiving and New Year's. So, why might you feel you've gained much more weight than you have? For starters, holiday foods often trigger bloating and water retention. This can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable until you shed the surplus.

• DRAW A LINE IN THE SNOW - Make a proclamation that you refuse to feel guilty should you overindulge during the winter holidays. One slip up will not ruin a good weight management plan. But, you must take responsibility to make for "it" at your next meal or workout.
• EAT MORE FRESH FOOD - When you are trying to lose weight fast, it can be helpful to eat a simple diet filled with whole foods. Real food tends to be very filling and make it easier to eat less without feeling hungry. The holidays can be stressful, so keep your body functioning properly.
• INCLUDE HEALTHY FATS - Fat is a nutrient, and like protein and carbohydrates, your body needs healthy fats for energy, to absorb other nutrients, and to protect heart and brain health. Cooking with the right fats during the holidays will produce healthier food options for you and your guests.
• STAY ACTIVE WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY - No matter how busy the holiday season gets, remain determined to squeeze exercise even if you have to break it up throughout the day to maintain cumulative totals. Involve friends and family on a short walk. It will have a positive effect on everyone's health.
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - 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.
• WATCH OUT FOR LIQUID CALORIES - Not only are alcoholic drinks a source of hidden calories, consuming alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes it more likely that you will forget your plan and overindulge in holiday temptations. So, nurse your glass and drink slowly or choose to sip on a carbonated water with a slice of lime.
• CONSUME MORE 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.

Whether you sitting at the family table or catching up with friends after work, the winter holidays are filled with tempting food options. If you fail to plan, it can be difficult to keep from overdoing it when attending a holiday meal or party. Many people make a big mistake of skipping meals, since they know they're going to be eating a huge meal later on. Fact is a healthy breakfast gets your metabolism going and a smart snack at lunch will make it easier to avoid overeating at a holiday event. If you're emerging from the holidays having put on a little weight, a few simple changes to your routines should get your right back on track. For example, to lose the one pound that the average American gains during the holiday season, you need to eliminate 500 calories a day through diet and exercise, which is very doable.

For healthy holiday recipes ideas, visit Metabolic Research Center online. These weight-loss friendly options are sure to delight everyone in your holiday circle. From our MRC Eggnog to our Bacon Cheeseburger Dip, you can enjoy your holidays without guilt and without depriving yourself of traditional holiday cheer.