Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Did you know that Americans gain between one to two pounds during the holidays? And if you’re not disciplined afterwards to take those pounds off, they’ll add up over the years. Fortunately, there IS a way to avoid gaining weight between now and the first of the year. I’m Wendy Corr, and in today’s Wellness Tip, I’ll give you some ways to get through the holidays without the extra baggage!
While one or two pounds doesn’t sound like a lot, most people don’t get it into gear after the first of the year to get back to the weight they were before Thanksgiving, so after five years, you’re ten pounds heavier. To avoid the negative effect the extra weight can have on your health, I’ve put together a few tips to stay on track during the holidays!
First, don’t skip meals. A lot of people choose to forego breakfast or even lunch in anticipation of a big family dinner later in the day. But it’s important to eat breakfast especially, as research shows that those who eat in the morning tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day.
Second, eat smaller portions. Did you know that the average American consumes around 3000 calories during holiday meals? That’s well above the recommended amounts any adult should consume. Some people believe that if they choose a healthier option, they can eat larger portions. But by approaching each dish with an eye towards moderation, you’ll be able to maintain your healthy eating plan – and maybe even have some dessert.
There are lots of strategies out there to help you avoid overeating. You can use a smaller plate to encourage proper portion sizes, or simply fill your plate with veggies first before going back for the heavier dishes. Eat slowly, and savor every bite – and if you’re tempted to go back for seconds, spend a few more minutes around the table reminiscing with Uncle Joe before deciding to go back for another helping. You may decide you’re not really that hungry anymore.
And after dinner, why not take a walk? Getting some physical activity will help keep your metabolism running. So instead of watching the football game, maybe get outside and throw the ball around yourselves.
Thanks for tuning in to Wellness with Wendy! I love sharing tips and tricks to help you live your best life – so for more health and wellness news and advice, follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com.