The holiday season is always a tough time to stick to your diet. With family and friends gathering and lavish dinners party engagements, who wants to think about dieting? There are still things you can do in order to maintain your progress gained. Even if you are not on a diet, avoiding or reducing the holiday weight gain is possible if you have a clear plan stepping into the holiday season.
I have outlined below 5 tricks you can do to minimize your weight gain or risk sabotaging your progress. They are fairly easy to follow and who knows, you might even shed a couple of pounds.
Fill up before dinner
Arrive at the party with a half-full stomach. I realize that this is contrary to the popular trend of starving yourself before dinner but by doing so, you will be able to carefully pick and choose what goes on your plate. A major reason why people gain weight during the season is because their hunger leads them to indulge in everything in sight. Eat sensibly!
Sodas and alcoholic drinks pack a punch
Calories can add up quickly for every extra glass of wine or can of soda. Sodas are filled with sugar, and for each four ounce glass of wine consumed, you are taking in about 100 calories. Plus those sweet holiday drinks are caloriedense. Instead of telling you to completely eliminate sodas or alcohol, my approach is to drink water throughout the meal thereby reducing your alcohol and soda intake. You will feel fuller faster and less likely to drink that extra glass.
Bring a healthy dish
So what if the party you are attending isn’t a potluck? Bring a healthy dish such as a festive hummus and the hostess will thank you for being so thoughtful. Plus, you’ll have a healthy alternative to enjoy.
Fill your plate, once
Enjoy the good company, enjoy the foods, but fill up your plate only once. Since you’ve already eaten a sensible meal before arriving, this rule will be easier to follow than you think.
Sample the desserts
Although keenly aware that the holiday season is all about sweet treats, my advice is to taste or simply sample the desserts. Look at desserts as something to savor, not to fill up on. Go ahead, taste that cheesecake, your taste buds will thank you and no one will notice the small portion in front of you.
Why wait for 2010 to start being healthy? You can start right away, right in the middle of this food crazy holiday season. Try placing limits on your food intake and progressively work towards better and healthier foods and lifestyle alternatives. It is within reach and a lot more possible than you think. Don’t put it off!
Author Resource:- ~ Tony Clerc, MA, ACE-CPT www.desertplatinumfitness.com Tony Clerc is the owner and founder of Platinum Fitness of the Desert Inc. He provides private personal training to residents of the Palm Springs area. He holds a Master’s degree from Boston University and is a Certified Personal Trainer with the distinguished American Council on Exercise (ACE). Tony tailors effective and result oriented fitness programs to all of his clients. His training methods include a combination of strength and movement training, core, flexibility, balance and coordination training. Tony Clerc can be contacted at tony@desertplatinumfitness.com
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