As the holiday season approaches, many people start to worry about the potential weight gain often associated with festive indulgence. Commonly referred to as the “Seasonal Seven,” the average weight most Americans gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is a trend you might want to skip!
It’s natural to associate the holidays with relaxation and indulgence. However, you don’t have to completely sacrifice fitness to enjoy the festivities. The secret to enjoying the holiday season without compromising your health is moderation. Here are two common but ineffective approaches to holiday eating: some completely abandon healthy habits, indulging in every treat, while others might starve all day to binge at a party. Clearly, neither approach is conducive to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Moderation is essential, both in your diet and your exercise routine, to prevent holiday weight gain while still partaking in all the seasonal fun. Here’s how you can get a jump on the New Year and avoid starting January with extra weight.
Strategies to Stay in Shape During the Holidays:
- Plan Ahead: Before the holiday rush, plan how to fit fitness and healthy eating into your schedule. Assess your holiday commitments and realistically determine how much time you can dedicate to exercise and eating well.
- Keep Up Your Fitness Routine: If your usual exercise schedule is disrupted, adjust but don’t pause. It’s better to reduce the duration or frequency of your workouts than to stop altogether. Even a shorter workout is better than none.
- Eat Normally on Party Days: If you have an evening event, eat normal meals during the day. Arriving famished at a party often leads to overeating. If you eat well throughout the day, you’ll be better able to enjoy the party food in moderation.
- Schedule Workouts: Mark workout times on your calendar as fixed appointments. This makes it more likely that you’ll stick to them.
- Start with Healthy Choices: At parties, begin by eating healthier options like vegetables, fruits, or lean proteins. This strategy helps you fill up on good nutrients first, making overindulgence in less healthy options less likely.
- Commit to Short Workouts: On days when motivation is low, promise yourself you’ll exercise for just 10 minutes. Often, you might end up doing more, but even if you don’t, ten minutes is better than none.
- Sample, Don’t Indulge: Faced with a variety of dishes, opt for small portions. This way, you can enjoy different flavors without overeating.
- Exercise at Home: Home workouts can be just as effective as gym sessions and don’t require travel time. You’re more likely to stick with a routine that’s convenient.
- Be Mindful of Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks are often high in calories. Opt for lower-calorie alternatives like diluting wine with sparkling water, or choose drinks with fewer calories.
- Carry Healthy Snacks: When out shopping or running errands, bring healthy snacks to avoid the temptation of fast food.
These tips can help you enjoy the holidays without compromising your fitness goals. Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy your holiday season with health and happiness!
