Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

It's that time of year when stores start playing Jingle Bells and everything is pumpkin spiced. Yes, the holidays are fast approaching and we'd like to share some tips with you to prevent holiday weight gain. Let's head into the new year as healthy and happy as we are now!

Partner up

Chances are, a friend or family member will also want to avoid gaining weight over the holidays. Identify that person and work together to keep each other accountable. Make dates for exercise and plan to help each other triumph over temptation. Be each other's dates to holiday parties so you always have a healthy buddy around in the most challenging of times.

Start Mornings Strong

Exercising in the morning can help ensure better behavior all day. Gather with your family and take a walk, go for a hike, or take a Live Exercise Class together with Vitality Fitness Delivered. Search for special charitable walks/runs on holiday mornings before the calorie celebration begins.

Plan your Plate

Choose a salad plate to include all of your food for the meal, including appetizers. Choose proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats (like guacamole) instead of starchy carbs like breads and desserts. Enjoy your meal by eating and chewing slowly. Have a stick of gum ready for after your meal to help curb going back for additional snacks. Check out the infographic at the bottom of the page to see how long it could take you to burn off the calories from your Thanksgiving dinner if you don't plan your plate appropriately.

Limit Alcohol

Not only does alcohol add extra calories to your diet, drinking too much can impair inhibitions around food and lead to irresponsible eating. If you plan to enjoy a drink, limit it to one serving at a time. Have other fun calorie free beverages ready after the adult beverage. It will keep you hydrated between alcoholic drinks and feeling good. My personal favorite is La Croix flavored sparkling water chilled, poured in a fancy wine glass, served with a lemon or lime. It makes me feel like I am still partaking in celebrations without adding to my waistline.

Weigh Weekly

Step on the scale first thing in the morning to get the most accurate reading. I recommend weighing twice a week; once on Friday morning and again on Monday to keep any weekend splurging in check. If twice per week is too much for you, once per week on Wednesday mornings is the more accurate measurement of your actual weight.

Wear Tight Clothes

A method of last resort, but a good one, is to wear a pair of tight fitting pants, or wear leggings with a tight belt. If you struggle with temptation, the physical temptation to loosen your belt or unbutton your pants will let you know when it is time to stop eating & drinking.

P.S. Heard of the Big 3 Workout? Check it out and see what you think.

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