If you have ever tried to follow a diet during the holiday season, you know the two just don't mix.
In fact, the average person actually gains about 6 pounds during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
While avoiding holiday weight gain is an overwhelming feat, losing weight is like trying to find the perfect Christmas gift, nearly impossible.
So, instead of dieting during the holidays, pay more attention to what and how much you are eating.
Here are some tips that will help avoid packing on the pounds.
Keep the holidays in perspective.
The holidays are not months, they are just days, and every day from December 1st to January 2nd is not a holiday! Look at it like this; there are 32 days from December 1st to January 2nd.
Three meals each day for 32 days is a total of 96 meals.
Now, look at your calendar and count the number of holiday events or meals you have scheduled, including the four meals for Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Eve and Day.
If you add two holiday parties, your total is six holiday meals.
That leaves 90 meals that are not holiday events.
Making small calorie cutbacks at these meals will allow you to enjoy your favorite holiday foods in moderation.
Ruin your appetite before the party.
One of the worst things you can do is not eat all day to save the calories for a party.
Before you leave for a party, eat a healthy snack like a piece of fruit, raw vegetables, yogurt, whole grain crackers with peanut butter or even a glass of skim milk.
This will help you avoid binging on high-calorie party treats.
Get away from the food.
Don't hang around the buffet table during a party.
Move to a location away from the food where you can't see it.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Know how much is too much.
Portion control is key.
Take smaller portions of high calories foods like mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and vegetable casseroles.
Seconds are fine if you bypass the sweet potatoes and stuffing and dig into the vegetables, salads or lean meat.
It may be helpful to use theone bite strategy.
If you can't resist the high-calorie foods, allow yourself one bite of each so you won't feel deprived.
Booze does not help lose.
Alcoholic beverages average 150-300 calories per drink.
Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you've consumed the calories of an entire meal.
Alcohol tends to increase your appetite also, which can lead to binging.
Move it!Do some type of physical activity every day.
This is not the time to skip exercise.
The holidays are hectic and stressful, and at times, you may wonder how you will make it to January.
Don't use a busy schedule as an excuse.
If you do not have 30 minutes available, schedule exercise in 10 minute intervals at least three times a day.
Focus on family, not food.
The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends.
Focus more on the special times spent with the people you love rather than how much food is on the table.
It is fine to indulge in holiday treats as long as it's in moderation.
When January comes around, you will be glad you left that second cookie on the plate for Santa and his reindeer.
In fact, the average person actually gains about 6 pounds during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
While avoiding holiday weight gain is an overwhelming feat, losing weight is like trying to find the perfect Christmas gift, nearly impossible.
So, instead of dieting during the holidays, pay more attention to what and how much you are eating.
Here are some tips that will help avoid packing on the pounds.
Keep the holidays in perspective.
The holidays are not months, they are just days, and every day from December 1st to January 2nd is not a holiday! Look at it like this; there are 32 days from December 1st to January 2nd.
Three meals each day for 32 days is a total of 96 meals.
Now, look at your calendar and count the number of holiday events or meals you have scheduled, including the four meals for Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Eve and Day.
If you add two holiday parties, your total is six holiday meals.
That leaves 90 meals that are not holiday events.
Making small calorie cutbacks at these meals will allow you to enjoy your favorite holiday foods in moderation.
Ruin your appetite before the party.
One of the worst things you can do is not eat all day to save the calories for a party.
Before you leave for a party, eat a healthy snack like a piece of fruit, raw vegetables, yogurt, whole grain crackers with peanut butter or even a glass of skim milk.
This will help you avoid binging on high-calorie party treats.
Get away from the food.
Don't hang around the buffet table during a party.
Move to a location away from the food where you can't see it.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Know how much is too much.
Portion control is key.
Take smaller portions of high calories foods like mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and vegetable casseroles.
Seconds are fine if you bypass the sweet potatoes and stuffing and dig into the vegetables, salads or lean meat.
It may be helpful to use theone bite strategy.
If you can't resist the high-calorie foods, allow yourself one bite of each so you won't feel deprived.
Booze does not help lose.
Alcoholic beverages average 150-300 calories per drink.
Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you've consumed the calories of an entire meal.
Alcohol tends to increase your appetite also, which can lead to binging.
Move it!Do some type of physical activity every day.
This is not the time to skip exercise.
The holidays are hectic and stressful, and at times, you may wonder how you will make it to January.
Don't use a busy schedule as an excuse.
If you do not have 30 minutes available, schedule exercise in 10 minute intervals at least three times a day.
Focus on family, not food.
The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends.
Focus more on the special times spent with the people you love rather than how much food is on the table.
It is fine to indulge in holiday treats as long as it's in moderation.
When January comes around, you will be glad you left that second cookie on the plate for Santa and his reindeer.
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