Great Tips on How to Stay in Shape During the Holidays

By Alice Mitchell, Project Weight Loss Editor
December 23, 2008

The party season is coming up. It’s the season of happy moments, of reuniting the family and friends and, of course, the season of eggnog and cakes. You worked out for months to get in that special outfit when you visit your loved ones, so don’t let it all be a waste of time and effort. How can you avoid gaining weight and still have a great time with your friends and family without alienating?

Don’t fool yourself by promising that next year you’ll lose the weight gained during the holidays, when you overate and forgot about your diet and your healthy eating habits. Be smart! There are a few tips that can help you look great and get through the holidays without depriving yourself of all the wonderful and delicious treats.

A good advice is not to go to a party feeling hungry. Try to eat before going to a party, this way you won’t overeat. It is a known fact that when hungry, a person eats faster and more than usual. And since there usually are a lot of dishes, you might not be able to stop in time. Moderation is also something to keep in mind. This is the key word when it comes to winter holidays. Don’t deprive yourself of chocolate or any other dessert or dish, but eat smart. Small portions are the secret to a great figure.

Julie Sidaway, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Morriston Hospital, said: “Don’t deny yourself a festive mince pie or slice of gateaux – it is Christmas after all - just don’t have them after every meal. Try some fresh fruit for dessert instead, and to make it really special, have some Sharon fruit, kiwis, or other exotic fruits you may not routinely buy. They are a wonderful way to finish a meal.”

Also, don’t strategically position yourself near the food. You’ll only feel worst and the cravings will get stronger, until they’ll be unstoppable. Remember that these holidays are about spending quality time with your loved ones and not reviewing every dish o the table.
If you invite you friends over for a party, try a different version of eggnog, the low-fat one. Also, there are a lot of great recipes for low-fat dishes.

Try to avoid food with too much fat, such as fried foods, cheese, pies, sausages and certain pastries. Be aware that these types of foods will not only lead to weight gain, but they’re also unhealthy. Don’t drink too much alcohol. Ok, it’s a Christmas party that need to be celebrated properly, but don’t exaggerate. It is proven that alcohol helps fat and calories to be stored, and especially in the abdomen area.

Make the right choices and diversify. Replace beer and cider with dry wine or a Bloody Mary. “The message throughout not only Christmas and the New Year, but all year round, is not to ban anything which you really enjoy, but only have only a small portion if it’s heavy on the fat, salt or sugar side,” Julie Sidaway added.

In this season water is a must, not a maybe. So, don’t forget to drink a lot of water. As for exercise, choose the easiest one: a walk with your loved one. Not only you’ll feel better but you’ll also enjoy the time spent with your loved ones.

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