Everyone is in full-on prep mode for the holidays, and the air is buzzing with excitement, food, and candy! Often times during the holidays there is a running joke about the weight gain that happens, but does it need to happen? Read on for ideas to support less weight gain during the holidays.
Healthy Tip Tuesday is brought to you in partnership with Trinity Health Systems.
Here are some tips to help maintain weight over the holidays:
- Eat your fruits and vegetables. Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits. They will satisfy your appetite and induce fullness.
- Drink more water: when a person is properly hydrated they are not as likely to fill up sweets.
- Keep moving. Manage daily physical activity. Be active daily!
- Treat yourself just once a day! Enjoy that one item daily. Take a smaller serving. Cut out an extra 100 calories later in the day.
- Control the risk of temptation. Clear home and office of tempting holiday goodies.
- Balance protein intake. Holiday meals tend to be higher in carbohydrates and low in protein. Include protein with every meal.
- Never go to a party hungry. Eat a serving of fruit, yogurt, or raw nuts before you leave for the party. Don’t linger over the buffet table.
- Get plenty of sleep. Those who do not sleep adequately tend to be hungrier, consume more calories, and exercise less.
- Manage stress. Holidays are often stressful and stressed individuals have higher cortisol levels which are linked to increased hunger and weight gain.
Socialize with friends and family at holiday gatherings and limit access to buffet and dessert tables.
