7 Tips to Maintain and Not Gain Weight During the Holidays

Nov. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- The holidays are officially here! Along with the fun and camaraderie, come high calorie foods and beverages that seem to entice us at every turn. The holidays are not the best time to start a diet, however, it is always the right time to practice wellness so you can stay on top of your game. Instead of worrying about weight loss during the holidays why not focus on maintaining your weight and not gaining. This is much less stressful and allows us to enjoy ourselves during the holidays.

Here are 7 helpful tips to not only help you maintain and not gain weight during the holidays but help your body manage stress:

1. Plan ahead - When you know you have an event to attend, have a protein shake prior to the event (I prefer the IsaLean shake from Isagenix - www.feelandlivewell.com. It contains 26 grams of lean protein and is an all-natural, nutrient dense, complete meal replacement). The shake will fill you up so you will eat less when you are at the event.

2. Limit your alcohol intake - It’s not just about calories, it’s about control. Consuming alcohol will lower your awareness and willpower and impair judgment.  If you feel out of place without a drink try a spritzer with cranberry or pomegranate juice and club soda or sparkling cider instead. If you do choose to imbibe, limit yourself to only one glass and sip throughout the evening.  

3. Bring your own treats - Whether you're going to a friend's party or an office potluck, consider bringing a low-calorie treat that you know you'll enjoy. Bringing your own dessert will make the more fattening alternatives less tempting.

4. Don't beat yourself up over one overindulgence. It's nearly impossible to put on a substantial amount of weight from, say, the turkey dinner with all the trimmings. You would have to consume an extra 3,500 calories to put on a pound. (Don’t let the scale fool you when it edges up a pound or two after a meal, it's likely due to water retention from eating extra carbohydrates or sodium.) So if you know you overdid it one night, cut yourself some slack and don't use it an excuse to throw in the towel.

5. Divert your attention - Focusing on socializing with family and friends will help keep you away from the buffet table. While food is certainly enjoyable during this time of year, the main focus should be celebrating relationships.

6. Account for what you eat. Keeping a food diary is the single best way to keep the pounds off. There are great free apps like The Daily Burn or My Fitness Pal to help keep you in check. Cocktail parties, in particular, lend themselves to mindless eating.

7. Take a walk - Besides burning some extra calories, this will get everyone away from the food for awhile. Walking not only benefits you physically but also puts you in a mindset to be more careful about what you eat.