Avoid Holiday Weight Gain With These Tips
By Rachel Carver
The holiday season is in full swing. For many of us, this means multiple gatherings with family and friends involving many different foods and beverages.
The things you love in life should not be off-limits. However, if you have a weight loss goal or are trying to maintain weight, it can be helpful to approach this time of year with a plan.
Read on for tips to avoid having to play catch up after the new year.
Don't Panic
This time of year can make food choices challenging. We might spend extra time with extended family. Busy schedules can mean more meals on the run.
Your food choices do not define you as a person. Stay positive when things don't go your way. Getting mad at yourself for eating too much will put a damper on the rest of your holiday season.
Pick Your Battles
There are times to stand your ground and other times to be realistic. If you're trying to cut back on sweets but love your mom's chocolate pie, eat the pie. This pie is only available to you for a limited time. And you can stick to your plan in other ways, such as skipping the dessert table at the office holiday party.
Look at your calendar. Determine in advance the times when you will splurge for a food item you really love and when you will pass on a food you truly will not miss. This will keep the guilt away and keep you on track with the holiday plan you set.
Plan Your Attack
Once you know when you will splurge, it's time to develop a strategy for the times when you will not splurge. Focus on reasons you attend events in the first place, such as spending some family time or getting to know your coworkers outside of the office.
Eat some food before you head to the cocktail hour. This will stop a glass of wine from making you want the unhealthy food staring at you. If you are attending a dinner, focus on vegetables and protein. This approach will help you fill up on the healthiest items available to you and leave less room for dessert.
Anticipate Obstacles
You might arrive at an event with a plan and realize your approach won't work. Maybe you find buffets challenging because of the amount of food. Or maybe you do not eat enough during dinner and then load up on sugary desserts.
Anticipate obstacles and develop an action plan. If you are faced with a buffet, commit to only one food plate. Examine the food options before you fill your plate. And enjoy your selections without guilt.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aventura, Fla.