Are you familiar with holiday weightloss? While 50% of Americans gain 5 to 7 pounds during the holiday season there are tons of losers burning off of fat and losing weight. You can be one of them too. These holiday weightloss tips show you how easy it can be to join the elite clan of losers who prove that the holidays aren't all about getting fat.
1. Eat Before The Party
Starving yourself before a party or big holiday dinner is a binge waiting to happen. If you eat a light breakfast and a light lunch or eat mini meals throughout the day you'll be less likely to binge at the buffet or give in to your relatives when they insist that you have seconds (or even thirds).
2. Plan Your Cheats
If you look at your calendar there are only 4 days you really have to worry about including, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years. If you plan your cheats to coincide with those days or any other holidays you may be celebrating you can still stay on track. Choose 4 or 5 days that you will allow yourself to eat anything you want and stick to your plan the rest of the time to avoid those excess pounds.
3. Distract Your Mouth
Chew gum while baking goodies. It's sweet and doesn't have as many calories. Take a small travel tooth brush and toothpaste with you to parties and brush after you eat. Certain foods just don't taste as good after you've brushed your teeth.
4. Keep Healthy Snacks Around
Whether at home, the office, or at the mall, always keep healthy snacks around like apples, low-fat trail mix, lowfat cheese, cut up veggies, and protein bars. Plan to eat or snack every 3-4 hours. This reduces cravings and the likelihood that you’ll lose control when someone offers you a decadent treat.
5. Limit Your Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories and once you start drinking you're more likely to let your guard down and eat a little more. In one study, people who drank an alcoholic beverage consumed about 200 more calories in the 24 hours afterward than those who drank a juice-based beverage. In addition alcohol inhibits your ability to burn fat for 48 hours so think twice before you imbibe. If you can’t turn down a drink try a spritzer, at only 80 calories.
6. Hydrate Yourself
Water not only helps you feel full but it keeps you from becoming de-hydrated which can sometimes be confused with hunger. Water can also help you to avoid drinking or can be used to alternate between alcoholic drinks.
7. Be Selective About Food
During the holidays there is an abundance of treats at the office, parties, or family gatherings. Don't feel like you have to eat everything just because it's there. Pass on foods that you can live without and only indulge in what you really want. If this means eating turkey and two slices of pumpkin pie, then so be it. This is a much better option than nibbling on candy, cheese and crakers, then loading up your plate with turkey or ham, 5 sides, bread, and two desserts plus alcohol.
8. Eat Your Veggies
Try serving veggies as an appetizer at your gatherings or start off with a salad or half a plate of vegetables at parties. Your plate will already be half full which means less room for the more fattening entrees. Munching on veggies while cooking is also a great strategy that will help you eat less at meal times.
9. Exercise Exercise Exercise
The holiday is a busy season but staying committed to your exercise routine not only keeps the pounds off, it reduces stress and gives you more energy. Try doing it first thing in the morning before your day starts to fill up with other commitments. If you just can't seem to find the time, try parking in the furthest spot from the mall entrance, take a walk around your work building during your lunch break, take the stairs, do crunches while you're watching t.v., take a walk around the block while you're waiting for that pie to bake, and always dance at parties. Need a quick workout? Try the 20 minute full body workout.
10. Wear That Little Black Dress
If you have a little black dress that fits just right (or any outfit that looks great) wear it. You'll get compliments and will feel better about not over-indulging. If you don't have a great outfit, buy one for a special occasion and expect to wear it. That is great motivation to eat healthy and continue exercising regardless of all the temptation around you.
