Eat More Water Rich Foods to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

According to recent studies, avoiding holiday weight gain is an important lesson that we all need to learn. If not, we will likely have a price to pay later on. The problem with weight gain during the winter holidays is that most of the people surveyed never make a commitment to losing it. Make sure you are in control during the winter holidays and not the other way around. It is crucial to slow down and make certain you enjoy what you eat. Stuffing holiday treats in your face is not an effective solution for managing your weight this, or any other, time of the year. Keep in mind that you are in the middle of a transformational weight loss journey that is visible to those who know you best, so comments about you and your weight are likely to occur.

• CONSUME WATER-RICH FOODS - Water is your body's primary component accounting for about 60% of your body weight. Water regulates temperature and flushes toxins as well as transports nutrients to cells. Water-rich fruits and veggies are perfect for an all-in-one holiday snack or meal.
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - Going out more and staying up later are common sleep demons that tend to surface over the winter holidays. Unfortunately, it is not the time of year to cut back on sleep. Sleep loss can cause your body to crave high fat and sugar-laden foods highlighted by mindless eating behaviors.
• AVOID 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.
• WATCH PORTION SIZES - It doesn't help the same if you are reducing your carbs and increasing your protein intake if you are overeating at the same time. You don't have to count calories to lose weight but you will benefit from managing portion sizes for your intake of macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein and fats.
• FOCUS ON WHAT YOU EAT - There is no holiday rule that says you must eat everywhere you go. However, when you eat, eat mindfully by savoring every bite. Beware of eating distracted. If need be, put your fork down between bites and bits-and-pieces of conversation, so you can concentrate on your meal.
• DRINK EXTRA WATER - You know how important drinking water is for staying healthy; however, with the winter holidays and all of the various beverages you will consume from punch to eggnog, it is crucial that you stay hydrated. You can live for weeks without food but only a few days without water.

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 of overeating instead of an actual holiday. Nonetheless, unless someone can convince your body, you can count on "unexpected" weight gain. If you do gain weight over the holidays, don't fret. Instead, modify your eating plan with simple changes, such as eat all meals using a smaller plate, give up that sugary soda habit, and place salad dressing on the side to dip your fork in it as you toss the ingredients. Remember, small adjustments can equal big results and losing Holiday weight now can prevent long-term weight gain. Learning from your slipups today will make you better prepared for your weight loss success.

Weight management programs at Metabolic Research Center are uniquely engineered for each client's body chemistry. Get a head start on your winter holidays and discover what makes your body different by visiting the MRC nearest you.