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The holidays are undeniably one of the best times of the year. But with all the parties, end of year deadlines, stress, and of course, all the delicious food and treats, it’s also a time where we tend to gain some holiday weight.
The good news though is that holiday weight gain can be prevented with just a few, straightforward tips. This holiday season, utilize these 5 tips to avoid weight gain, while still being able to enjoy your favorite foods.
How to Avoid Gaining Weight Over the Holidays
1. Make exercise a priority. It’s all too tempting to let your personal fitness slide, especially during the holidays. And while it’s ok to skip maybe a workout here and there if the timing doesn’t suit, skipping any and all types of exercise is only going to make getting back to the gym that much tougher. Plus, there’s no better time to work out than during the holidays if you want to keep stress and anxiety at bay, all while taking care of your physical health. By keeping your exercise up, you’ll be able to trim off those excess calories, all while retaining the muscle you’ve worked so hard for.
Related: 5 Ways to Stay Active During the Holidays
2. Don’t fast. Another temptation around the holidays is to skip meals in order to “save up” for a bigger meal later on. The problem with fasting though is that it usually results in eating more throughout the day, simply because you’re more likely to gorge yourself on not so healthy foods when you’re stomach starts rumbling. Instead of skipping meals, go for nutritious, protein filled food that will keep you fuller for longer.
3. Be picky when it comes to eating. The holidays are filled with delicious foods and treats, but when it comes down to it, there are probably only a few foods that you really love to indulge in. So when it comes time to fill up your plate, be a picky eater. Select only the foods you really love, rather than saying yes to every dish that is offered.
4. Fuel yourself with protein and veggies. If you’re headed out for a party where you know the food is going to be on the less healthy side, fuel up beforehand on veggies and protein filled foods. This way, you’ll stay fuller for longer, and won’t be as tempted to overindulge in sugary snacks at the party.
5. Don’t skimp on sleep. With all the holiday parties, late nights of watching Christmas movies, and of course, the delicious foods that come with these activities, it’s all too easy to skimp on sleep. But did you know that not getting enough sleep leads to more hunger? Inadequate sleep affects the hormones that dictate your hunger levels, which ultimately leads to greater food consumption. So this holiday season, stave off extra calories (and weight gain) by getting at least seven hours of sleep per night.
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