How to Avoid Packing on the Pounds This Holiday Season – Ah, the holidays… the time of the year we look forward to dreading because of the inevitable weight gain. Everyone believes that they will just have to make losing weight one of their new year’s resolutions. Why waste a resolution on something that need not occur at all? Here are some easy tips to avoid that dreaded after the holidays bulge.
1. Take a rest when you’re stressed! Everyone knows that one of the biggest reasons we over eat is due to stress. If you find that you have that big piece of fruit cake begging to be eaten sitting in front of you, opt for some fruit instead. You’ll be surprised at how well an apple can fill you up when you are eating because of stress. Also try to find a calm quiet place and relax a bit. If these tricks don’t work, then try drinking a glass of water and waiting 10 minutes before reaching for that cake.
2. Don’t feel like you’re entitled to indulge. I know that we’ve all been there. You say “It’s the holidays. After-wards I’ll just work it off.” Just because it’s the holiday season that doesn’t give you the right to overindulge yourself at the expense of your health. When you feel like you have the right to “treat” yourself, opt for nonfood item rewards like a trip to the day spa or a relaxing night with a good book.
3. Resist feeling obligated to attend all of those parties where you are sure there will be a fattening feast awaiting you. Everyone knows that the holiday season is filled with family, friends, and formality but you don’t want to risk your health and self esteem to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, especially if you hardly know the person. For instance, do you really need to go to Chad’s from three blocks down who you only greet ever other Wednesday? Of course not! Instead prioritize your schedule, stopping by at parties given only by close friends and family.
4. Eat before you go. If it’s absolutely necessary for you to go to an unavoidable party, make sure you eat a healthy filling meal before you go. Doing this will avoid the temptation to sample all of the treats and you’ll feel better about yourself afterward. Also, try to avoid the classic dinner party and opt for a kind of buffet or hors d’oeuvres style instead. A classic dinner party would leave you at the mercy of your hostess and her choice of the number of courses served. If you attend a buffet or hors d’oeuvres style party, you can simply walk away from the temptation.
If you follow these simple suggestions, you certainly won’t regret it when the holiday season has come to a close and you can still fit into that little black dress. Plus you’ll have one less new year’s resolution to make and inevitably not keep.
