With the holiday season in full swing, a good majority of people are stressing out around the world because of how easily it is to gain weight throughout the holiday season, and how much harder it is to take it off come spring. Between holiday parties, dinners, and sweet temptations lurking around every corner, it is very hard not to sneak a treat everywhere you turn. The holiday season is a joyous time of year, so don’t let the stress of weight gain dim your lights, share the joy and bliss this holiday season with holiday weight loss tips.
Tip # 1 – If you haven’t started one already then do so, it’s fitness people!Devote some of your time all year round to exercise and fitness. During the seasonal months of October thru January, people tend to “fall off the bandwagon” when it comes to working out consistently. We understand that time constraints and other occurrences always manage to pop up throughout the holidays and exercise is an easy thing to set aside momentarily, but try and aim for at least 30 minutes a day instead of eliminating it completely. Work on waking up earlier than usual or alternating other to-do’s throughout your day to fit in a quick workout.
Tip # 2 – Indulgences are ok, but limit your intake.Moderation is always the key, but when snacks are literally right around every corner and people are often thrusting them into your face then moderation often increases to allow the over indulgence period that comes with the holidays. Know and acknowledge your weaknesses and be aware of them. Being aware of your guilty pleasures will help you avoid them and treat yourself in moderation.
Tip # 3 – Find assistance with weight loss aids and other supplements.Many people worldwide use weight loss products year round to help maintain healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle. With regular exercise and healthy eating habits, weight loss aids will help you maintain a stance against holiday weight gain. Recently, many people have turned to diet pills, ephedra weight loss pills as well as protein powders and
meal replacement powders to help prevent weight gain, not only through the holidays but also year round.
Holiday weight gain happens to the best of us, even the ones that try and avoid it! Throughout the holiday season, the weather gets colder, the days shorten and our waistlines expand. The holidays to many are a period of semi hibernation, a feasting season if you may. Indulgences start on Halloween with candy and sweets, flow through Thanksgiving with turkey, stuffing and plenty of pies, then breeze through Christmas with merry-making treats, then end with New Year’s finger snacks and toasts. The holidays are the worst time of year for people trying to lose weight.
With a little over 4 solid months of continuous feeding and feasting, holiday weight loss seems like a lost cause to many. It does not have to be though; there are ways around holiday weight gain. Be aware of seasonal dietary downfalls, like the following:
Food Focused Parties and Celebrations – While socializing with family and friends using food and drink, the availability of yummy treats and sweets lurk everywhere. Simply eat prior to attending the celebration to minimize the amount of food and drink you take in while at the party.
Stress is everywhere – Between anxiety with everyday life, holiday and gift giving obligations and expectations, stress plays a major role in seasonal weight gain. Avoid easily triggered stress, slow down your pace and accommodate only what you are capable of doing, remember only one thing at a time. By alleviating stress, you will help alleviate overeating.
Exhaustion – Prevent seasonal demands and winter festivities by planning ahead and only making time for the important things. Overbooking yourself will add to your stress levels and exhaustion levels leaving you sluggish and sleep deprived. If you are tired you are less likely to workout and eat healthy, sleep deprived individuals often reach for easy meals such as fast food to get their fix.
Emotional eating is not the answer – for many of us, when we are sad or upset, we turn to food thinking it can solve our problems…far from, food only makes it worse! Don’t let your emotions get the best of you, and if they do, try hard not to turn to your pantry!
With winter comes cold weather – Scientists have proven that some people crave high-calorie “comfort” food when the temperature drops. For many people comfort foods are filling, and make people feel good. Comfort food can remain on your menu, but try not to overindulge.
The holidays are a way to release and relax with close family and friends. It is the time of year for everyone to be merry and thankful, but it does not have to be a time of frustration and sadness because of un-wanted weight gain. Practice being aware of your weaknesses and making conscious efforts to correct them or avoid them. Be realistic, try not to take things too literally, slow yourself down and manage your stress levels and emotions effectively. Find other outlets for them other than indulging in food and drink. The bottom line is if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid holiday weight gain find opportunities with the season to find inspiration in holiday weight loss tips. Remember this time of year is reserved for friendships and family bonds, not food!
Julie Riggs MED RD LD
Registered and Licensed Dieticianwww.i-supplements.com
Julie Riggs has been teaching fitness and nutrition skills to every population, from NFL players to the elderly, pre and post-natal moms to professional bodybuilders for her entire career. As a writer and consultant for www.i-supplements.com and as a registered dietician, personal trainer, and mom of three Julie brings real life perspective to the every day person's fitness and nutritional concerns.
