Holiday Weight Gain

This time of year it's nearly impossible to avoid parties bulging with buffets of tasty food and drink. Most of us have 1 -2 parties a week in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.  But all that indulging can have a downside: holiday weight gain!  Try these simple strategies and you can still eat, drink, and be merry without ending up looking as plump as Santa Claus:

1. Be Realistic

You are not going to lose weight during this period. A better plan is to aim putting off weight loss efforts until after January 1.

2. Hydrate

While rushing around shopping and preparing for guests it's easy to forget to drink plenty of water.  Try to get in at least eight glasses a day. Your body easily confuses being hungry and being thirsty, so drinking water regularly will keep you from eating when what you really need is to drink.

3. Limit Your Alcohol Intake

Alcohol calories can really stack up fast – they are empty calories! Plus, having too many drinks lowers your inhibitions, so when you drink you’re likely to eat more. So stick to just a drink or two, or be the designated driver, and avoid alcohol altogether.

4. Eat Slowly

Some research shows that slow eaters tend to eat less food. Try this: swallow each mouthful before taking the next bite and chat with a friend in between forkfuls.

5. Beware the Buffet

A bountiful buffet can be a challenge for many. Scan the choices before you pick up a plate. Or take smaller portions of a variety of dishes.

6. Watch the workplace goodies

Here is where working from home can have its advantages.  Everyone brings their unwanted food in to work with them and, even if you are not hungry, you are tempted to nosh.  Discipline is the rule here – walk away quickly!

7. Outsmart the Food Pushers

Pressure from hosts to eat beyond your fill is a common challenge at the holiday table. One way to keep from overstuffing yourself? Ask for seconds. Seriously!  Just take small portions - your host will not remember your serving size.

8. Be Selective, Not Rigid

Don't declare all party food off-limits. It's a strategy that's bound to backfire. If you decide to deprive yourself of all treats, you may end up overindulging out of frustration and rebellion. Instead, be honest with yourself about what foods you're really looking forward to and enjoy those in moderate amounts; at the same time cut back on high fat and caloric snacks and fillers you really can live without.

9. Don't Starve Yourself Before Holiday Events

Fasting beforehand may seem like a smart way to "save up" for the calories you'll consume. But showing up to a party ravenous is only likely to cause you to start picking immediately when you walk in the door. Instead, take the edge off your hunger before you leave home by eating a small snack such as a slice of cheese or a yogurt.

10. Last but not least - Stay Active

Exercise is probably the first thing to fall off your to-do list during the holidays, but it's your best ally in the battle against holiday weight gain, as well as, holiday stress and depression. Don't worry if you can't maintain your regular workout routine due to travel or other commitments. Simply challenge yourself to add some physical activity to your day. If you miss a day, catch up the next.  Just don’t let a day turn into a week or it will be that much harder to get back on track!