Many Americans gain between one and five pounds every holiday season. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you maintain your weight throughout the holiday season.
- Don’t skip meals. You’ll likely overeat later.
- Drink plenty of water. It helps you stay hydrated and less likely to over-indulge.
- Keep healthy snacks in your purse or at your desk. Items such as yogurt, trail mix, granola, fruit, popcorn or peanut butter and whole-grain crackers can help you from overdoing it on sweet, unhealthy snacks.
Load up on no-guilt snacks like these fruit kebabs. They are a great appetizer for your next party!
- Indulge in small amounts of the foods you love. It’s OK to enjoy a cookie or a small piece of dessert.
- Eat only what you love and leave the rest. If you’re at a buffet, scope it out first to make a mental note of what you’d really like to try. Avoid putting everything on your plate.
- Load up on fruits and vegetables.
- Choose smaller portions of creamy, cheesy items, gravies and sauces.
- Plan and enjoy some active time – walking or working out on a regular basis.
- When you’re preparing holiday meals at home and you have lots of snacks within arm’s reach, it’s easy to nibble without realizing how much you are consuming. Pop a piece of sugar-free chewing gum in your mouth instead.
- Don’t drink your calories. Alcoholic drinks, eggnog, and some ciders are loaded with calories. Alternate a calorie-laden drink with water or a flavored tea.
