So, here we are, deep into the end of the year. We have gotten past Halloween, Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Now on to Christmas and New Years Eve....... I don't know about you, but right about now is when my Q4 weight gain starts moving in. First, everywhere I turn there is SUGAR! Stores, Office, Home, I cannot seem to escape it. Once I get past Halloween, and I have regained self control, Thanksgiving settles in. Who can say no to wine with Pumpkin and Pecan pies?? Obviously, I can't............. Upon recovery from Thanksgiving, gifts upon gifts of sugar flood my life and BOOM, its Christmas and New Year's Eve all in one ball of fury. And that friends, is end of year weight gain in a pretty package with a sparkly bow!
Ok, so now that we have acknowledged it, how do we cope and do our best to avoid it? Below are great tips to help you and me avoid the dreadful end of year weight gain, winter fat, holiday muffin top or whatever you want to call it. Seriously, its tough to avoid!
1. Be Realistic
Don't try to lose weight between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Studies have shown that people who tried to lose weight between Thanksgiving and New Year's ened up gaining the same amount of weight as others who were not trying to slim down. A better plan is to aim put off weigh-loss efforts until after Jan. 1. 2. Hydrate Stay hydrated! It's easy to forget to drink water when your rushing around in the hustle and bustle. Your body easily confuses being hungry and being thirsty, so drinking water regularly will keep you from eating when what you really need is to drink.
3. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol calories add up fast. A 12-ounce beer has 140 calories and a 5-ounce glass of wine has 100. Plus, having too many drinks lowers your inhibitions, so when you indulge you’re likely to eat more. So stick to just a drink or two, or be the designated driver and avoid alcohol altogether. 4. Eat Slowly Some research shows that slow eaters tend to eat less food. Try this: Chew, chew and chew your food some more. You want mush before you swallow. Swallow each mouthful before taking the next bite. And, chat while eating to keep from making your food disappear so fast.
5. Beware the Buffet
A bountiful buffet can be a challenge for many. I mean, everything looks so delicious and it is right in front of you inviting you to take a bite! You wouldn't go to a restaurant and order everything on the menu, would you? Scan the choices before you pick up a plate. Or take smaller portions of a variety of dishes. 6. Outsmarting Food Pushers I am so grateful for any host who prepares a meal for me and others to enjoy. But, the host also has the expectation that their guests will consume the majority or all of the food. And rightfully so, because the host doesn't want to be stuck with a ton of left overs! Pressure from hosts to eat beyond your fill is a common challenge. One way to keep from over stuffing yourself is to take small portions and ask for seconds. This way, you are enjoying without over eating and your host is pleased you are eating!
I hope you found these tips helpful. Between now and the end of December, most of us will be challenged in many of the area's mentioned above. Stay strong and remember, the goal is to maintain your weight instead of trying to lose. Save the weight loss efforts for Jan!
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BodynistaKhyrunnessa Rabbani - I am perfectly imperfect! Passionate believer if you love your body and yourself and the rest will fall into place. Categories
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