5 Tips to Avoid Gaining Weight During the Holidays

Since most people tend to be busier during the holidays, they often find that they don't have time for some of their other regular routines - like exercising. Furthermore, if you are someone who sits around watching a lot of holiday movies and/or sports, you are probably less active during the holiday season as well. However, even if you are busier, you still need to find time to exercise to burn off all those extra calories that you are likely consuming. For example, you might be able to go for a walk/jog before or after work each day. You could also find some free workout videos online to help you exercise at home.

One reason that many people eat more during the holidays is because they get offered more food and snacks. For example, coworkers may bring homemade baked goods or even store-bought goodies to snack on at work. Friends and family members might also offer you holiday treats as well. While there's nothing wrong with indulging yourself a little bit, you don't have to eat everything that is offered to you. For example, there are likely some holiday treats that you enjoy better than others. Therefore, only eat holiday snacks that you really like - and politely decline the ones that you don't like as much. That way you won't be consuming as many needless calories.

Since a lot of people enjoy eating bigger holiday means, they will often try to 'save calories' by fasting or eating smaller meals beforehand. Unfortunately, their plan often backfires and they end up consuming even more calories by eating more at their holiday dinners. That's because they are hungrier at holiday meals - which naturally makes them eat more. Therefore, don't try skipping meals or saving calories before your holiday dinners. Remember, when you do have holiday dinners, portion control is key!

If you are like most people during the holidays, you will have leftovers that will continue to tempt you after your large meals. Once again, remember to practice portion control. You don't need to eat all of your leftovers. However, this can be really hard for those who don't like to waste food. Therefore, you should try to give away some of your leftovers so you aren't tempted to eat all of them yourself.

Finally, one big thing that you can help you avoid gaining weight during the holidays is to weigh yourself on a regular basis. For example, it's often hard to notice if you gain a few pounds. However, a weight scale will be able to show that you have added extra weight. That way you can exercise more and/or cut back on your portions at holiday meals if you notice that you are gaining weight. Try to weigh yourself no more than once a day, and at a consistent time of day.