Tips To Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

With the holidays quickly approaching, you may be concerned about inevitable weight gain. All of the cookies, cakes, and partying tend to really pack on the pounds. So can you prevent that holiday weight gain? Or is it inevitable?

When it comes to preventing putting on the pounds during the holiday season, the best approach is to be honest with yourself. Truth be told, you are most likely going to eat the cookies and desserts, and I think you should. However, not all hope is lost. There are many ways you can prevent adding too much weight. Let’s dive on in.

Five Simple Tips to Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

As a personal trainer in Lancaster for over 20 years, there are many tricks of the trade that I have used with clients that have proven to deliver great results.

#1. Calories In, Calories Out

First, you need to remember the basic equation of calories in versus calories out. Fundamentally, if you take in more calories than you burn, you are going to gain weight. How does this apply?

If there is a party that you know you are going to attend, don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re going to try to eat perfectly. Rather make sure to take into account the calories in versus calories out equation.

That being said, if you know you are going to have an evening where you eat many calories, make sure to eat much less calories towards the beginning and middle stages of the day. If you want to go a step further, throw in some exercise to put you in more of a positive caloric balance.

#2. Accountability

Accountability is a major factor and tracking your calories is a must. By tracking your calories via a journal, MyFitnessPal, etc, you can make sure that you don’t get out of hand with your caloric intake.

By staying accountable and focused on your goal to keep the extra pounds off during the holidays, you will be less inclined to gobble down that extra piece of cake or drink a fifth glass of eggnog.

The key to seeing results and reaching your weight loss goals this holiday season is to enjoy all the treats and goodies, but know when to say enough. Accountability and portion control goes a long way!

#3. Hydration

Make sure to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Also, try replacing soda, punch or eggnog with good ole fashioned water.

I’m not saying don’t enjoy a tasty drink or two, but perhaps it’s best to not drink ten! Don’t forget tip number two, accountability.

And if drinking plain water isn’t festive enough for you, sparkling natural mineral water is a great alternative. The carbonation in the water is a nice treat and you won’t be packing on dead calories while enjoying it!

#4. Protein Over Carbs

Another trick is to make sure that you are eating plenty of protein with the sweets that you consume. This will help to fill up your stomach and slow the impact of those sugary carbs.

#5. Take a Walk

Going for a walk after the big meal is also a great idea. It is quite alluring to want to plop on the couch after you’ve just stuffed your face, but this often leads to more eating, and unfortunately this is when we tend to get out of control with the sweets.

Even a short walk after you’ve just eaten a big meal will help you burn some calories and potentially recharge your healthy mindset by reminding you of your holiday health goals. This simple small walk may prevent you from going overboard on the treats and sugary drinks when you return home.

The Bottom Line

The holiday season is a great time to enjoy family, friends and to celebrate. Following these principles listed above, you don’t have to worry excessively about gaining too much weight. If done the smart way, you can help to keep those extra pounds off. Just remember not to overdo it, and don’t get discouraged.

Author Bio:

Eric Leader is a certified personal trainer and owner of http://www.everybodyspersonaltrainer.com He has over 25 years in the fitness industry and holds a BS in Exercise Science from James Madison University.  As the owner of Every Body’s Personal Trainer, he prides himself on delivering a great fitness solution for those conflicted with time constraints.

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