Holiday Weight Gain Preparation
In a few short weeks, droves of people will be flocking to gyms to sign-up to lose weight and begin their New Year's Resolutions but why wait? Why not start right now? We have compiled a few simple and easy tips to follow to help you from experiencing drastic holiday weight gain.
Tip 1: Start the cardio now
Many people take vacation at this time of the year to spend time with family and friends. While it can be difficult to find a moment of peace in the days leading up to Christmas, try to take 20-30 minutes a day and get a brisk walk in. Walking for 20-30 minutes can burn upwards of 300 calories... that should cover those cookies you just ate. If you live in a region where there is snow on the ground that can burn even more calories.
Tip 2: Put that cookie down
Holiday treats are abundant and readily available almost anywhere you go. These treats often contain large amounts of sugar, butter, chocolate, or high-fat nuts like pecans. Carbohydrates and unhealthy fats are huge contributing factors to weight gain. If someone gives you a box of cookies, don't take them to the couch and polish off every one of them. Instead, leave a few out and limit yourself to one a day, don't take the whole container or jar with you to the couch, it becomes way too easy to eat more when they are so close and convenient. Freeze the remaining cookies and slowly consume them throughout the year. Most cookies should freeze nicely and be just as delicious as when they were made.
Tip 3: Take it easy on eating out
Once you get into the habit of eating large quantities of food, it can quickly become a habit. After your holiday feast, try to get back to creating your own home-cooked meals as soon as possible. Eating out typically consists of large calorie meals with large calorie leftovers. This will only compound the sugary treats available in mass quantity. We all want to be a little more lazy than normal after a big holiday but a light and nutritious meal will help with the post-holiday eating blues as well as give your body a welcomed break from having to digest large amounts of food.
Tip 4: Skip the eggnog
Next time you have a moment, look at the nutritional label on eggnog. Most eggnog is loaded with fats and carbohydrates. The thickness of the eggnog comes from whole milk and heavy cream, both very high in fat; there are lighter options available usually made with skim milk and fake sugar. If you're not sure of what's in your eggnog, try making your own!
Tip 5: Avoid alcohol
Consuming festive drinks or casual glasses of wine and beer add up quickly in the calorie department. Want to know how quickly? See our article: The Hidden Calories of Alcohol. Just a few drinks every day for a few days cap top over 1,000 calories and provide no nutritional value whatsoever!
As always, have a safe and happy holiday season and don't forget to exercise!