7 Tips & Tricks to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Photo source: DESIGNMAG.FR

Hey friends! I hope you all enjoy the holiday season with its decorating, gift wrapping, holiday movies, and spending quality time with the loved ones. Oh wait, AND backing healthy cookies – maybe my Crispy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies? 😉

It’s that time of the year when extra temptations (FOOD) are endless, making holiday weight gain inevitable. Plus, it’s relatively easy to forget your healthy lifestyle routines. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can also stay fit, healthy, and energized during this festive time with only a few tips and tricks.

Here are my 7 tips and tricks to enjoy goodies without putting on a single pound.

#1 The size of your plate is key. I won’t tell you not to eat the foods that you like, rather watch out for the AMOUNT you eat. Don’t go to visit your friends when you’re starving. Grab a snack beforehand or drink a glass of water to fill up before filling your plate.

My tip: Keep in mind that portion control is key.

#2 Eat what you love, not just what you are offered. Instead of piling your plate a mile high with things that don’t really tantalize your taste buds (mmmm, chocolate cake,I’m so looking at you!), pick only the foods that give you true enjoyment. If something doesn’t make you spin, leave it on the sideline.

My tip: Just say no… to food pushers.

#3 Enjoy in moderation. Let’s say your grandma’s homemade cake is to die for. That good! But that doesn’t mean you have to eat every last one, does it? One of the biggest pitfalls of holiday eating is not being able to tell when you’re full and no longer truly enjoying the food you’re eating.

To help you answer this question, try the “fork trick”: Once you take a bite of food, place your fork down on the plate, and let go of the fork. Chew your food, swallow, and then pick up your fork again. The key to this trick is actually letting go of the fork. This will remind you to slow down, enjoy your food, and converse with friends and family. By eating more slowly, you’ll be more in touch with your body’s satiety signals.

My tip: Use the “fork trick.”

#4 Be picky about sweets. It’s not about your grandma’s delicious cake – we have decided you should go for it – rather your friends and family desserts. When it comes to sweets, be very selective and eat only what is very appealing to you.

My tip: Don’t eat something just because it’s holiday food.

#5 Make sure you drink enough water. It’s easy to confuse thirst with hunger, leading to mindless snacking that never satiates.

My tip: Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water.

#6 Get your family off the couch and walk. Besides the fact you will all burn some extra calories, this one will get everyone away from the food for awhile.

My tip: Go out for a walk after every meal.

#7 Stick to your routine. It’s important to keep a regular routine and not skip your early morning exercise or your five-minute plank (that’s my current one) or your healthy breakfast because you have had a late night.

Push yourself to stick to your regular exercise routine which in turns keeps you positive, energized for the extra hours you need for all your holidays activities, and motivated to want to stay fit and healthy for the rest of the festive time. And have at least your healthy breakfast before the lunch and evening plans.

My tip: Eat a good breakfast.

It’s a time for happiness, not stress your body with so much food! Keep this in mind for the next few days.

Enjoy your time with friends and your loved ones. Making lasting memories, share laughs, and enjoy quality time are so important to the soul. I hope these tips will help you stay on track and keep you feeling healthy throughout the season.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday. Cheers!

Stay healthy & be happy!
Xoxo Cris