Stay Well Hydrated to Prevent Holiday Food Cravings

Unlike other festive times of the year, the winter holidays last for six weeks or more, so accept the fact that temptations will not be going away anytime soon. Adding a brisk walk to your daily activities can help manage stress and provide some time a review of your weight control strategies. Experts say that if you pick the stuff you really want to eat and have it in moderation during the winter holidays you will avoid food cravings that can get you in trouble later on. Nevertheless, remember to use your willpower to keep your portion size in check. The news is not good for men and women who are already over weight. In fact, obese individuals tend to put on up to five times more weight over the winter holidays than the average adult. Nonetheless, those who stay invested in their routine will gain a sense of empowerment for improved weight control.

• HOLIDAY EXERCISE - If you make fitness a priority, it will provide a good excuse when you need to bow out of a less important holiday event. Moreover, you should be trying to work out or take a brisk walk more often than before the holidays to curb cravings and avoid the extra eating.
• DRINK MORE WATER - The good news is that staying hydrated during the winter season can help curb holiday food cravings. After all, modern man has a hard time distinguishing between hunger and thirst. So, starting every festive function by drinking a glass of water will put you in charge.
• FASTING WORKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Intermittent fasting can be a convenient way to regulate energy intake without having to track and record all of the food you consume each day. Nonetheless, you still need to follow a balanced menu plan that is eaten in moderation throughout the holidays.
• BE FUSSY BUT EAT - Every time you eat a meal, incorporate some fresh plant foods. Start your day with spinach omelet, have a salad for lunch and add at least one vegetable to your dinner meal. The extra fiber will keep you full with fewer calories consumed.
• APPLY WILLPOWER - Avoiding sugar does not only mean to avoid refined white sugar but also foods that are high in added sugars. Processed foods and baked goods contain huge amounts of sugar but may be advertised as fat-free or high in fiber. Also, watch for hidden sugar in restaurant foods like Asian fare.
• PORTION FOOD SIZES - Studies have demonstrated that people are more inclined to feel like they are eating more when using smaller plates. So, plate size matters and so does the size of the drink you choose. To avoid having to limit your drink glass, simply fill it with water and guzzle away.

It is illogical to think that you are going to just ignore the holiday food table and pass on all the tempting treats forced on you for the full six weeks known as the winter holidays. So, take the time to come up with an eating strategy. Although the average person only gains about a pound over the holidays, people who are obese or extremely overweight can gain much more. Either way, if your goal for weight control is to avoid weight gain, the problem of not overeating on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day will be much more doable. A simple holiday tip for avoiding temptations is to shop around the perimeter of the food store. That's where they keep the fresh, whole foods, so you start with healthier ingredients. However, you will need to avoid baked goods as they tend to have tons of hidden calories.

Metabolic Research Center has lightened-up versions of your favorite holiday foods, including desserts and treats. Our recipes are easy to follow and simple to prepare and are guaranteed to help keep you on track throughout any holiday season.