8 Holiday Weight Loss Tips

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The holiday season is a time of numerous festivities, which also means a lot of food. Use these holiday weight loss tips to avoid the traditional holiday weight gain.

Don’t Stress

The “most wonderful time of the year” can easily become the most stressful time of the year. Whether you’re a college student prepping for finals week, or a busy mom trying to check off your kids’ lengthy Christmas lists, recognize when you are tempted to stifle your stress with extra food.

Do you really want to eat that cheeseburger, or do you just need some comfort food?

Recognize your source of stress and face it head-on. Use your normal stress-busting techniques (exercise, meditation, hobbies, etc.) to make it through these times without the extra calories.

Portion Control

So, it’s been a year since you had your mom’s decadent chocolate cake, or your grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie.

Of course, you’re going to want to try everything. And it’s okay to try everything–just try a little of everything. The first bite is usually the best one anyway.

And don’t eat like there’s no tomorrow. Tomorrow will come, and will probably come with more food. And you’re going to want to fit into your jeans tomorrow.

My mantra has become “remember tomorrow.” Will I feel good tomorrow about the choices I made today?

Drink The Water

I am a big proponent of making sure you stay hydrated and drink enough water when you are trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. I drink A LOT of water every single day. 

I have found that having water that tasted great is key to being able to drink enough to stay hydrated. I received a Zero water pitcher to try and it has been life-changing. It filters our home water to taste better than anything I can buy in the store. I fill this pitcher at least 2 times a day. 

Keep Regular Exercise Routine

Don’t let the term “vacation” apply liberally to all of those good habits you’ve built up during the year. It’s tempting once you’ve consumed more than your normal calorie count to just give up on any attempt to be healthy.

Staying in a regular exercise routine, however, will help you to maintain your weight throughout the holiday season. It will also curb your appetite and avoid those dreaded sugar cravings.

Avoid Stretchy Pants and Baggy Clothes

Going to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner in sweat pants is like asking your body to put on those extra five pounds before you even hit the dinner table.

If you wear your normal clothing, you will be aware of the uncomfortable tightening feeling right around your midsection–a good warning that it is probably time to stop.

I’ve spent the better part of two years losing 75 pounds and wearing pants that are a little too tight has been a very subtle reminder to watch what I eat. 

Don’t Eat Now and Promise To Diet Later

There are always your New Year’s Resolutions, right? Wrong. It’s never a good idea to eat more now because you are planning on being healthy as soon as January 1st hits.

New Year’s resolutions are great, but you don’t want to spend all of January working off December’s indulgence.

Don’t Eat Just Because It’s There

Sometimes, we eat without even thinking.

You’re sitting in the living room, watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, and before you know it you’ve finished off the entire bowl of caramel corn sitting right in front of you. 

Be selective about what you decide to eat, and be aware while you are eating!

Food should be enjoyed, not unconsciously consumed.

Listen to Your Body

The most basic rule of eating healthy is just listening to the one who knows best–your body itself.

If you are feeling full, stop eating.

You should not have to reach the point of no return before you decide to stop shoving the mashed potatoes.

If you feel like you’re on the verge of vomiting, you have overeaten.

If you listen to your body, you will eat just the right amount and won’t have to deal with uncomfortable after-effects.

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