How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Stores are already packing the shelves with Halloween candy and, because you can’t pass up a deal, you’ve been stocking up for the trick-or-treaters. Big Problem: Halloween is more than 40 days away and every time you pass by the Halloween treat stash you can’t help but snag a few. And the torterous Holiday weight gain season begins. If you’re like me, avoiding Holiday weight gain is an uphill battle but still one worth fighting.

How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Just say no to the Halloween Candy

As noted, Halloween is where it all begins. If you stock up on candy in advance, you may want to store your candy at a friend’s home or keep in the back of the freezer where you don’t have to see it all the time. Remember, out of sight-out of mind. If the temptation is too high, avoid buying unhealthy Halloween treats in advance or…wait for it…at all. You could give out non-edible Halloween treats like silly putty, Halloween-themed pencils & erasers, stickers, temporary tattoos or anything you can think of.  If you are stuck with leftover candy, try out some candy-based recipes and give out your creations as gifts to neighbors, co-workers and relatives.

Every Day Counts   

Social events are going to start popping out of the woodwork and each of those parties present an opportunity for you to overindulge.  They key is to balance out your calories over the day or at least over a couple of days. For example: If you know you’ll be consuming extra calories at a party, try to adjust earlier in the day.  Keep your appetite in check by focusing on vegetables and fruits, lean proteins and high-fiber grains.  Weight Watchers is an excellent program that helps individuals keep track of daily intake, activity and also provides a great support system during the Holidays and throughout the seasons. Weight Watchers approaches Holiday weight gain realistically and provides tools that help you enjoy this fun time while still keeping your weight under control.

Buffets are for Buffoons 

Besides having a large selection of food, there is no real benefit to eating at a buffet.  Survey the offerings before you dig in. Chances are that you could live without some of the food. (That won’t be the last time you’ll see a dinner roll.) Focus on what may be too good to pass up and load up on the greens. Be selective.

Control the Alcohol 

Alcoholic beverages contain “empty calories,” offering little to no nutritional value and contribute to Holiday weight gain. If you can’t limit to a few sips, it is best to avoid mysterious cream-based cocktails. (Egg nog is the devil). Try having a seltzer with a lime twist or a glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help cut calories and remain well hydrated. Intoxication can also hinder your ability to make smart eating decisions so be wary of overindulgence.

Keep Moving 

Your date book will be filling up for the rest of the year and a busy schedule may tempt you to cut back on your exercise routine. Do not set yourself up for Holiday weight gain by forgetting to go on your walks, go to the gym and continue your strength training regime.  It is important to keep moving and increase your activity during this time of year.

Never Give Up Hope

Ok so you fall off the health wagon a couple of times and declare defeat until the next year. In actuality, 1-5 days of eating poorly is much less offensive than months of ignoring your health. If you happen to go ballistic at a Holiday buffet, take it easy the next couple of days. Run an extra lap and be sure to eat healthy the rest of the week.  Don’t give up hope and you’re likely to minimize or, better still, avoid holiday weight gain all together.

Get Some Help

Since avoiding Holiday weight gain is no easy feat, consider joining a support group like Weight Watchers to get you through. They have affordable no-obligation membership fees. With Weight Watchers you can lose and maintain your weight by eating your own food.  Be sure to use a Weight Watchers promotion code or coupon to receive a discount on your membership fee at Wantacode.com.