10 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Moderation is the word of the season. It’s the secret to enjoying the holidays while keeping your waistline you’ve maintained this past year.  Forget weird diets and unpractical methods.  With a moderate approach for both eating and exercising, you can avoid packing on weight AND also partake in all the fun of this time of year.  Instead of starting in January, why not start now?  Get a head start by using these 10 simple tips to keep you looking fab and fit this holiday season:

• Create your routine and don’t budge on it.  Check your calendar now to determine events and projects that will take up additional time this season.  Determine how much time you will realistically have and devote your exercise time to it.  Say no to events that will intrude on this time.  Remember that it is okay to put your health first.
• Stash healthy snacks in your desk.  Most likely you will see a deluge of guilty treats and sweets at your office this holiday season.  Don’t be tempted for that late afternoon sugar rush!  Grab your snack instead – there are a bunch of healthy ones that taste sweet as well.
• Doing something is better than doing nothing. If you can’t exercise as often during this time period as you normally do, adjust appropriately.  Just because you might not have enough time to do your full workout, doesn’t mean you can’t do it at all.  Instead accept your limited availability and simply reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It’s much better to cut your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.
• Eat ahead of time.  Eat a snack before attending an event, especially at night.  These holiday parties are full of calorie-packed appetizers.  Just because they are small in proportion, doesn’t mean they are small in calories.  With a satisfied stomach, you won’t overeat.
• Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-aside time to complete them. Consider them as important as any other appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.
• Skip the add-ons.  Avoid heavy condiments such as gravy and dressings.  Also skip the drinks that are packed full of sugars.  Stick with clear liquids, choose tea instead of soda and if for alcoholic beverages choose ones that are clear as well.
• Go for beer and wine instead of mixed drinks. The standard 1.5 ounce serving of 80-proof alcohol has 96 calories even before you add any mixers. A 6-ounce serving of orange juice has 84 calories, but add a shot of alcohol to make it a screwdriver, and the calories more than double.
• Fill up on healthier items first.  If you don’t have time to eat beforehand, fill up on lean protein, veggies and fruit first.  You will be less likely to fill up at the dessert table.
• Exercise at home. You’ll be more inclined to follow-through on your exercise commitment if you don’t have to drive somewhere to do your workout. Plus, you won’t waste any time on driving, parking, the locker room or waiting to use equipment. Working out at home requires very little equipment (it even can be equipment-free) and is quite inexpensive.
• Fiber and chicken broth are your best friends.  Not a huge fan of veggies?  Cook them in low-sodium chicken broth.  The broth ads extreme flavor to some of the dull Cruciferous foods.  Make sure you also eat your food with lots of fiber.  These tips will help you stay fuller longer.
• When running errands or shopping, be sure to pack some healthy snacks to have on-hand. Then after you work-up a big appetite, you won’t be tempted to grab something at the mall food court or the fast food restaurant on the way home.
• Don’t linger at the buffet or in the kitchen. If you loiter in close proximity to all the guilty temptations, you’ll struggle to keep from unconsciously shoveling food into your mouth.
• Focus on socializing. Remember one of the great things about the holidays is spending time with friends and family. During get-togethers spend the majority of time sharing conversation instead of sharing desserts.