How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Well, we have one holiday down but there are several more to go! How did you do during the recent Thanksgiving holiday? Maybe you ate more than you really wanted to eat? Did you gain an extra pound or two?

Many of us are faced with the heaping portions of food this time of year. And many of us feel stressed by the commitments and logistics during the holiday season, which can lead to eating more than we plan. It’s a “recipe” (see what we did there?) for weight gain.

Don’t give up hope! Advance planning and being more intentional during this time of year can keep you from packing on too many extra pounds. Here are some tips to navigate the holiday season.

Stay Active
Even a few minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity can deliver some health benefits. For adults, the many benefits of physical activity also include reduced short-term feelings of anxiety and better sleep.

When shopping, walk a few laps around the shopping center before going into stores. Rather than hunting for the closest parking spot, park farther away and walk briskly to your destination. When friends and family gather, go for a group walk. You can make the walk more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt. Play an active group game in your yard or local park. Bundle up and take a walk instead of a drive to see holiday lights.

Eat Healthy
If you eat foods that are high in calories, saturated fat, or added sugars (looking at you, cookies, cakes and candy!) choose small portions and only eat them once in a while. At parties and other gatherings, fill your plate with your favorite fruits and vegetables first, then add small portions of the less healthy items.

Plan Activities That Don’t Involve Eating
Shift the focus away from food and eating during the holiday season. You can do it! Try an activity like ice skating or winter hiking. Go on a walk and explore a new area with a friend or family member. Visit that museum or exhibit you’ve been wanting to see. Think about a new healthy holiday tradition you can start this year.