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Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

Holidays are to enjoy, and this year most of us may need something to look forward to more than ever, but if you’re worried about holiday weight gain and are considering locking yourself in the basement from Thanksgiving un l New Year’s Day with an ample supply of water, protein bars, and vegetables, try these simple weight control ps instead.

By following a few guidelines, you won’t have to make a New Year’s resolu on to lose the weight you gained.

Eat smaller portions

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying all the culinary delights of the season, it’s part of what makes this me of year special. By controlling por ons, you can eat whatever appeals to you, you’ll just eat less of it. Instead of piling on the mashed potatoes and gravy, consciously choose to put a sensible por on on your plate. Instead of diving into a whole box of chocolates, buy one or two special pieces to enjoy. Your holiday cravings will be sa sfi ed, but with a frac on of the calorie intake.

Appetizing appetizers

Mindlessly munching on calorie-packed appe zers (you know the culprits — nuts, cheese balls, chips and dips, bread and rolls) will add a load of calories long before you get to the main course. Choose your appe zers with that in mind. Have some olives, veggies, and even a few chips with salsa instead of heavy dips, then you’ve got lots of leeway to enjoy the entrées.

Fill up before a party

If you a end a holiday get-together this year, be sure you’re not hungry before you go. Eat a light snack beforehand (a piece of fruit, a slice of toast, raw vegetables) and you’ll be surprised how much less temp ng the holiday fare is when you stomach isn’t growling.

Don't Diet!

Don’t torture yourself over the holidays trying to lose pounds. Maintaining your weight is enough of an accomplishment. Eat sensibly, exercise, and partake of tasty holiday treats in modera on. If you diet, you’ll most likely succumb to ea ng some of your holiday favorites anyway, leaving you feeling guilty and more likely to over-consume.

Craving a holiday dessert?

If you’re craving a favorite holiday indulgence, eat it! Studies show that you’ll consume more calories trying to avoid your cravings than by giving in to them. But try ea ng a smaller por on very slowly to avoid going over the deep end on calories.

If you don't buy it, you won't eat it

Control yourself when you’re buying groceries in the fi rst place so you won’t have high-cal Christmas brownies lurking in your pantry later. It’s easier to convince yourself not to buy treats than to resist tempta on when they’re in the cupboard calling your name.

Make time for physical activity

Workouts are some mes le by the wayside during this busy me of year, but by making sure you include daily exercise, you’ll feel be er mentally and physically while keeping off extra weight. Keep up your regular exercise rou ne, take walks, and, if you do go out shopping in person this year, park farther away from the stores to add lots of steps and take stairs instead of escalators as you get your shopping done.

Trade-off s

If you’re determined to limit your calorie intake at holiday dinners, try the “trade-off ” technique. If you’ve been looking forward to Grandma’s home-made apple pie, go ahead and enjoy it, just skip the yams with marshmallows or the mashed potatoes, that way you won’t be doubling your calorie intake.