We've made it through 4 holiday seasons without gaining unnecessary weight through the holidays (I say unnecessary because I was pregnant through three of those and never gained more than 25-30 pounds during my pregnancies). Here are some habits I've picked up along the way that have helped us not get sucked in to the holiday pounds!
1) Make a plan
When treats come around, allow yourself the indulgence, but make a plan to only have 1-2 treat days per week. and eat REAL food FIRST! Never eat the treat if you are hungry, or it is meal time. Create a simple, easy to follow meal plan, don’t try too many new holiday recipes, keep it to 2 or 3. Staying as close to your norm as possible will prevent unnecessary snacking.
2) Stay Hydrated
We tend to get REALLY busy during the holiday season (costume shopping, present shopping, volunteering, parties, festivals, etc), we also drink less water! Keep a water bottle in your car, in your purse, wherever you can, and refill it often! Before you bite into that treat, drink 10-12 ounces of water!
3) Pack HEALTHY Goodie Bags for Your Friends and Neighbors
Everyone has their signature treat, so have that in your goodie bag, but then instead of accumulating the Costco-sized cookies and treats, dress the rest of your bag with clementines, snack size apples, or even a homemade hot cocoa mix without all the extra unhealthy stuff added in by the packaging companies.
4) Exercise
Keep up your routine! If you have to scale it back, try interval training through the holidays to create the longest after burn effect. You can take your workouts down to 30 minutes if you stick to Tabata-style, Interval Training or HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts.
5) Get RID of the Junk!
We get so many gifted treats through the holidays, so get rid of it as soon as you have had your indulgence! Take it to the office, throw it out, take it to a party to add to their buffet table! No one will know it was a ‘regift!'
BONUS TIP: STAY POSITIVE
If you find yourself more depressed this time of year, engage in positive activities to keep you engaged in the present! Studies show that when we are depressed we are more likely to make our bodies unhealthy by indulging in unhealthy activities, i.e. Sugar consumption, malnourishment, laziness, negative self-talk, gossiping, etc... So do yourself a favor, pick up a good book, snuggle more with your loved ones, set up a game night with friends, watch a comedy or two, just DECIDE to be happy! And not just on your favorite HoliDAY, the whole season long!
