How to Make it Through the Holidays without Gaining Weight
BY : Jody Trierwiller
There’s a reason that most people make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight. We tend to overindulge and gain holiday weight starting in October. And, on average, it takes people five months to lose the weight!
Not everyone gains weight, however. There are some simple strategies you can use to maintain your weight throughout the holiday season. If you’d like to avoid weight gain this holiday season, decide in advance to follow these guidelines.
Stay consistent with your workouts or increase them. This is the time to ramp up your exercise so you can keep your metabolism burning more calories. Skipping your workout will only cause you to gain more weight and feel less motivated to eat healthy. This will also help burn off excess calories that you may be taking in at a party or gathering.
Control your portion sizes. This will allow you to taste all the foods that you love and enjoy. Take 1/2 of your normal portion size and eat slowly, savoring each bite. The average American consumes 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving dinner! The recommended serving size of a slice of pumpkin pie is equivalent to a light bulb and contains 280 calories and 25 grams of sugar. If you take a larger portion, you could be doubling the calories to 560!
Choose only your very favorite foods. Don’t feel obligated to taste a little of everything. Only eat the foods that you absolutely love, especially those foods that you can’t get anywhere else or at any other time of the year. Try not to waste calories on boxed desserts, chips or soda. Save it for Aunt Anita’s homemade cannolis! If you feel uncomfortable declining when someone offers you food, ask if you can take a portion of it home to eat later.
Move after a meal! This doesn’t mean you have to exercise after a meal. Simply move your body for 10-15 minutes. Help clear the table, help clean up the dishes, sweep or vacuum. You can also take a leisurely stroll, play with the kids, participate in an active video game as a family, or stand as you chat and enjoy a cup of coffee. The point is to move your body, which helps your cells absorb glucose from your bloodstream and lower your blood sugar more quickly than if you stay seated. This also aids in digestion and you’ll be less likely to suffer from high blood sugar after a big meal. Encourage your family and friends to move after meals, as well.
Jody Trierweiler is the Host and Co-Producer of “Jody’s Fitlife” on Comcast and Fitness Expert for “Live in the D”, on WDIV-Ch4 Detroit. She is a fitness lover, wife, and mother of two boys. With a BS in Sports Medicine, Jody loves teaching group exercise classes. Her focus is on eating clean and living an active healthy life. She volunteers and is active
in the community and her church.