Enjoying the Holidays Without Gaining Weight: How to Avoid a Holiday Weight Gain

Would you like to know the secret of enjoying the holidays without gaining weight? There are two key factors; the first is healthy eating and the second is getting appropriate exercise.

The article entitled "Low calorie appetizers" offers excellent suggestions for entertaining over the holidays. 

Consider the following tips, as well. 

Avoiding stress

Stress is one of the major reasons why you may not enjoy the holidays and are likely to be in the position of eating and gaining weight. Eating relieves stress, but over-eating causes more stress particularly when it results in an excessive weight gain. Make a note of the things that you can do to avoid stress, follow through on them and you will not have to resolve the problem related to stress and overeating that results in weight gain.  

What do you really enjoy eating?

You have, like everyone else, certain foods that you enjoy eating during the holiday season. Some may cause you to experience a holiday weight gain, unless you learn how to regulate the amounts that you consume. Portion size is everything! Determine an appropriate portion for the food that you enjoy eating and adhere to that portion size during the holidays. You will enjoy those foods that are special to you and know that you have not over-indulged on them.       

What do you not enjoy eating?

You know that there are specific foods that you do not enjoy eating, but may eat them because you want to please others, or to be polite. By eating them, you risk an unnecessary weight gain over the holiday season.

You have an individual palate with distinct preferences, so learn how to say no politely to foods that you do not enjoy eating. Savor the ones that you do enjoy.

What are you cooking?

If you are the designated cook, you have the role in the decision-making process with respect to planning your holiday menu. You also have a major role when it comes to shopping for the produce you need to prepare your menu. Do some serous research and see if you can find relatively low calorie, healthy foods that will be appropriate for your guests, including children. If you consult your family and guests, prior to the meal that you are planning, you will find they are happy to have a healthy holiday dinner. Remember that many of them may already over-indulged, are embarrassed about it and may be less than happy with any further weight gain.

What are you serving for beverages?      

High calorie beverages can cause unexpected weight gains, as the calories tend to add up quickly. If you are preparing beverages for your guests, find out how to substitute low calorie, fruit juices by making a health-oriented punch for everyone, including children. Place limits on high calorie and alcohol related beverages for everyone, and they will love you for it.   

Your ingenuity can help you and others to enjoy the holidays without any fear of gaining weight, or the added stress of over-indulging in food or beverages.

Remember that skating, skiing and tobogganing are excellent exercise for everyone and fun too; so are other outside activities like building snowmen, snow boarding or hiking, or inside exercises like dancing and exercise routines.

Prepare to enjoy your holidays, knowing that you are doing your part to enjoy the holidays without gaining weight, or causing others to gain any excess weight.