The holidays are well-known for resulting in unwanted weight gain. Between shopping and endless get-togethers, it’s easy to fall off track with workouts and healthy eating. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can come out of the holidays having maintained your weight. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Nix the Liquid Calories
With all the tempting holiday beverages available, it’s difficult to pass them up. If you want to maintain your weight during the holiday season, this is the best place to begin. Specialty coffees, cocktails, and other beverages contain more sugar than most of us would care to hear about. For this reason, removing them from your daily routine will help with your goal of maintaining your weight. This doesn’t mean you can never enjoy a holiday beverage. Be discerning about which you want to try. By choosing water as your main beverage during the holidays, you’re going to save a lot of calories and have zero guilt when you do indulge.
Keep Moving
The holidays are busy, and for many this means reduced time for workouts. Holiday shopping and the preparations that go into the season certainly keep you active throughout the day. Instead of completely giving up your workout schedule until the new year, accept a reduced schedule that you can stick with. Some mornings you may decide to wake up earlier to get it done. On other days you may walk more than you usually do by walking around the mall and shopping. As long as you continue moving in some way every day, you will maintain your weight.
Indulge Mindfully
Similar to holiday beverages, this season will tempt you with a lot of delicious food. In order to maintain your weight, you need to pick wisely what you want to enjoy. Don’t throw your hard work and lifestyle out the window just because it’s the holidays. If you know you are going to a party on Saturday night, eat lighter and healthier Friday and early Saturday. Once you are at the party, practice portion control. It’s also a good idea to scan the offered foods before filling your plate. This way, you can decide what you want to enjoy and what you will pass on.
Prioritize Protein
Protein will keep you feeling more satiated throughout the day by keeping your blood sugar stable. Protein also keeps your hunger hormones in check, so you won’t feel the need to snack constantly. Start the day with a protein-packed breakfast and make sure each meal and snack thereafter contains protein. In addition to eggs and meat, Greek yogurt is a good option. Top Greek yogurt with nuts and seeds for healthy fats that will also help keep your hunger under control.
Holiday weight gain doesn’t have to be a given. By sticking to your normal routine as much as possible and not using the holidays as an excuse to overindulge, you can easily maintain your weight.