AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN

Each year, millions of Americans gain weight over the holidays. Lean muscle is the secret to keeping your metabolism firing to burn fat all day long. People who are active are more likely to maintain their weight during the holidays.

Don’t be a statistic! Get FIT, boost your energy, and shed pounds this holiday season by working out! Now is a perfect time to get a jump on that New Year’s Resolution.

Here are some tips for keeping weight off during the holidays:

• Physical activity. People who are more active are more likely to maintain their weight during the holidays. Park farther away from the entrance to the mall and get a little walk in.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can be a major source of hidden calories. Alcohol has 7 calories per gram, almost as much as fat (9 calories per gram) and nearly twice as many calories as a gram of carbohydrate or protein (4 calories per gram). Just one apple martini has 235 calories and almost 12 grams of sugar! Stick to a flavored vodka & soda or a light beer. Don’t forget the water. For every alcoholic drink you have, drink at least 1 extra glass of water. This will help your body metabolize the alcohol and may counteract some of the dehydrating effects of the alcohol on the body, such as next-day hangovers. And ALWAYS have a designated driver!
• Limit soda and other sweetened beverages. These drinks add extra calories, too. Simply put, they are drinks high in fat and/or sugar. A can of soda, for example, has 150 calories and 42 grams of sugar! I love light egg nog but have now switched to Rice-Nog, it’s delicious and only 80 calories per serving. Water is always the best choice!
• Schedule holiday celebrations at normal meal times. Celebrations outside of normal meal times encourage people to pile on extra calories. This one isn’t always easy to follow with work parties, just do your best 🙂
• Choose foods with fewer calories. Foods with fewer calories for their size make you feel fuller sooner. Reach for those celery sticks and stick to lean protein snacks like shrimp or turkey slices.
• Use smaller plates. The bigger your plate, the more food you can pile on it, which means you’ll be more likely to overeat.
• Eat a healthy snack beforehand. You’ll be less likely to eat a lot of fattening food at parties. Try an apple with almond butter or a protein shake with a small piece of fruit.
• Weigh yourself weekly. Plan how you’ll get back on track if your weight begins to creep up.

What are your tips & tricks to avoid holiday weight gain?