Over the holidays, it’s easy to feel like you’re being deprived of the things you love to eat—but that doesn’t have to be the case!
Here are some tips on how to keep your weight healthy over the holidays without feeling like you have to give up all of your favorite treats, from pumpkin pie and fresh bread to rich desserts and good coffee.
5 Best Tips to Follow for Weight Loss
Set Weight Loss Goals
You can plan your healthy eating all you want, but a holiday gathering is filled with so many delicious smells and tastes, it can be hard not to indulge in a slice of pie or some other indulgence. If you’re trying to lose weight without feeling deprived over the holidays, there are things you can do—and avoid—to help keep your weight stable. For example, if that apple-cranberry pie looks really good, don’t fight yourself about it. Eat half a slice.
Stay Active
One of your best weapons against holiday weight gain is staying active. Many people become less active over the holidays, as they spend time with family and don’t always have time for a workout. Exercise—even just a 15-minute walk around your neighborhood each day—can help you feel better and avoid weight gain.
Exercise while Watching TV
When you’re at home for long periods of time, it can be difficult to focus on your healthy eating habits. Try exercising while watching TV – use a yoga or fitness DVD, or find online videos that will help you burn calories and exercise your body throughout your favorite shows. Use that extra energy from burning off those holiday treats in a healthy way!
Plan Ahead
The holidays are fast approaching, which means Christmas cookies and holiday office parties are just around the corner. In order to keep your weight on a healthy track over these next few weeks, it’s important to plan ahead and make healthy choices before you’re surrounded by sweet temptations. One great idea is making your own treats instead of buying them; after all, if you bake something yourself, you can ensure that it won’t contain any unhealthy ingredients or preservatives!
Don’t Diet
Dieting will make you miserable, and chances are you’ll end up gaining back all of those unwanted pounds. That’s why it’s important to think of healthy eating as a lifestyle choice, not a temporary fix for weight loss. If you want to be able to maintain your healthy eating habits throughout the holidays and for years to come, then instead of focusing on an ideal body weight, try thinking about what you can do in a way that makes sense long-term.
Be Patient and Consistent
You’re going to have trouble sticking with your healthy eating plan if you decide that all of a sudden, you’re going all or nothing. In other words, giving yourself a little treat every once in awhile is okay and won’t do much harm. But be aware of what you’re doing, as it can add up fast. The key is being patient and consistent.
Keep Track of Your Calories for a Week or Two
One of your best tools for weight loss is knowing how many calories you’re eating. If you want to lose weight, it’s important that you eat fewer calories than your body needs; if you eat at a deficit every day for an extended period of time, you will lose weight.
