A Colorful Glass of Water Makes for a Great Holiday Drink

Most holidays in the United States encourage overeating and the consumption of calorie-dense foods followed by sedentary behavior. This causes adults in the Western world to gain weight during the Holidays. Although the subject of holiday weight gain comes up every year around the holiday season, research from Texas Tech University found that participants gained about a pound and a half between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Whether you want to maintain your current weight or have intentions to lose weight during the Holidays, the more muscle mass you have, the better your metabolic burn. Nonetheless, a real difference comes from putting more of the right foods on your plate while managing the treats. Although holiday weight gain is a popular topic, research studies suggest the phenomenon is an overly exaggerated pop culture myth.

• OPT OUT OF 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.
• EAT MORE WATER-RICH FOODS - Broths and soups are often water-based and have the potential to be hydrating and nutritious. Consuming water-rich foods regularly may also promote weight loss due to their low calorie content and hydrating benefits.
• DRAW A LINE IN THE SNOW - When it is time to quit eating based on your plan, pop a sugar-free mint in your mouth. It will cleanse the taste of holiday food from your palate and curb any additional food cravings by drawing your line in the snow.
• EAT MORE FRESH FOOD - Experts agree the key to weight control this time of year is to have a strategy from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Moreover, the best way to ensure a weight-loss friendly dish will be at the party or dinner you're attending is to bring one that's favorable with your holiday eating plan.
• INCLUDE HEALTHY FATS IN YOUR DIET - Adding healthy fats to holiday foods is not difficult. So, don't ignore the advantages of removing bad fats from your holiday foods, such creamy, buttery or cheesy dishes; and avoid fried foods like the ones you find at fast food restaurants.
• STAY ACTIVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS - 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, which will still have a positive effect.
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - Keeping up with demands of the holiday season is stressful but the sleep deprivation, which is common during the holidays, can make matters worse and lead to weight gain. Studies show that people who do not get enough sleep tend to be hungrier during the day and are less like to exercise.

You might have heard that calories don't count during the holidays. Unfortunately, most people use such logic to get them off the hook for weeks instead of the actual holiday. Although holiday feasting does not mean you have to plump up like turkey, don't get depressed if you gained a pound or two. Starting your day with a cup of black caffeinated coffee or tea followed by a morning walk will put you back on track. Controlling the risk of being tempting by holiday foods is one way to effectively reduce your intake. Although you can't control every situation, focus on all the times, places and ways you can. Planning can help you avoid many temptations.

The weight loss approach at Metabolic Research Center is engineered for each client's unique body chemistry. Discover what makes your body different and get a head start on your winter holidays today by visiting a Metabolic Research Center near you. While you're there, check out our weight-friendly options for pumpkin spice pancakes, easy crock pot brownies, apple pie cheesecake, caramel corn or vanilla bread pudding to make your winter holidays special.