Every holiday season seems to be the season of weight gain. The cool weather and the numerous parties with food temptations seem to work together to derail you from your healthy habits and ideal weight. It’s no wonder that the most popular New Year’s resolution every year is to lose weight!
However, avoiding joining in the festivities is not an option. ’Tis the season to celebrate with friends and family, but you can participate in all of it while still maintaining a healthy weight. Let’s talk about how best to prevent holiday weight gain during the most wonderful time of the year.
Stay Physically Active
Now is not the time to be sedentary. Volunteer for charitable activities like Toys for Tots, or pack up shoebox presents for Operation Christmas Child, or join the carolers at your nearby VA hospital and thank the veterans.
Another great idea is to play some fun holiday tunes to get yourself and other people moving at your holiday gatherings. While you’re getting the house ready and wrapping gifts, turn on music that will get you moving and into the holiday spirit.
Control Sugar Intake
Think of all the sweets that you usually see on a holiday spread. Naturally, there are cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, gingerbread, fruitcake, etc. Plus, many holiday drinks are loaded with calories and sugar, such as hot chocolate and eggnog. Instead, sip on some iced tea (or hot tea) while you engage in conversation and catch up on the latest with everyone – you won’t miss a thing.
Snack on Fruits and Vegetables
If you make an effort to snack on fruits and vegetables several times a day, every day, you will not have enough room for junk food. Healthy snacks like apples, pears, grapes, and carrots are nutritious, very filling due to the fiber content, and have less calories. Protein-rich snacks, such as nuts, also help to foster a proper metabolism.
Never Attend a Party on an Empty Stomach
If you’re headed to a party, make sure you have eaten beforehand. Don’t go hungry, or you run the risk of overeating party food – which is notoriously high-fat and high in sugar.
Take It Easy on the Bubbly
Alcohol is high in calories. Not to mention it loosens your inhibitions, around food. Keep it to one glass or avoid it altogether.
Wellness Center in Weatherford Texas
Weight gain affects not just your physical state, but also your mental state. Preventing holiday weight gain is therefore beneficial to both your physical and psychological health and well-being.
At AlphaCare Wellness Center in Weatherford, Texas, we specialize in holistic wellness services for men and women. We create healthy and customized solutions for weight management, among others, guided by Fort Worth’s leading functional medicine expert, Dr. Catherine Oseni. With a physician-guided weight management program, you can be successful in maintaining a healthy weight.
If you want to prevent holiday weight gain, please call AlphaCare Wellness Center at (817) 550-6332 today to schedule a consultation. Let Dr. Oseni show you the best way to enjoy the holidays while staying healthy.