Christmas weight gain is more common than you may think. In fact, average holiday weight gain equates to just over one kilogramme during this relatively brief time period. While this might appear to be trivial, what if such a pattern was compounded over ten years? The results suddenly become clear. Let’s therefore take a look at five strategies that will help to keep you slim and trim without being forced to sacrifice this magical time of the year.
Be Realistic
We should first mention that it is somewhat common to put on weight over Christmas. The main takeaway point here involves not being too hard on yourself if your trousers start feeling a bit tight around the waist and thighs. However, this does not signify that you should simply ignore the scale in order to satisfy your indulgent cravings. Know when to say when in terms of the foods that you choose to eat. While a touch of discipline is in order, you will be thankful for the results during the new year.
Appreciate Portion Sizes
If you are looking to avoid weight gain, begin with portions. It is relatively common for guests to be handed out extremely large serving sizes. After all, this is the time of the year to “sit back and relax”. Unfortunately, you will often pay a price for consuming these excess calories. Opt for reasonable portions and if possible, choose a smaller plate. Studies have shown that a full plate will provide the illusion of satiety, so use this unique phenomenon to your advantage.
Choose Healthier Recipes
Will you be cooking a holiday dinner or entertaining guests over the Christmas period? While there might not be anything wrong with the occasional Sunday roast, it is still better to choose alternative recipes when preparing meals. This is particularly relevant in terms of desserts. Consider these ingredients as opposed to traditional substances such as sugar and whole eggs:
- Almond milk.
- Coconut butter.
- Sugar-free maple syrup.
- All-natural jellies ad jams.
- Vanilla extract.
Feel free to take a look at a recent post from Spatz3 that highlights 17 sumptuous and healthy Christmas cookie recipes. You will be amazed with the number of tasty options that are available.
Avoid the "All-or-None" Mindset
Studies have shown that it may take up to five months for you to lose the weight that had been accumulated over the holiday season. So a it of Christmas discipline is in order. Avoid getting into the habit of fasting, as this can cause you to subsequently gorge on decidedly unhealthy foods. This is also quite unhealthy, as the body will suddenly be forced to metabolise massive amounts of glucose. It is instead better to eat smaller portions throughout the day. If you happen to be growing hungry in anticipation of a large meal, select healthy shack options such as fresh fruit, sugar-free cookies or simply drinking plenty of water (water helps to reduce sudden cravings).
Do Not Forget About Exercise
Gyms tend to be rather barren environments during the holiday season. However,those who put on weight over Christmas should consider these very same locations their best friend. Were you aware that exercising for one hour may enable you to burn through up to 400 calories? This is a great way to offset a heavy meal and to counteract the effects of weight gain in general. We are not necessarily referring to extreme activities in this case. Even mild forms of exercise such as jogging, swimming, attending a yoga class, or spending 30 minutes on an elliptical machine will help to melt away those calories.
Avoid Weight Gain While Enjoying the Holiday Season
There is no reason why you should be forced to succumb to holiday weight gain. There are many ways in which you can enjoy all that the Christmas season has to offer without being forced to dine on nothing more than a plate of bland celery. All of the suggestions outlined above are practical and easy to implement.
This is even more relevant if you are hoping to prolong the weight loss benefits associated with the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon. Although Christmas weight gain seems to have become a part of mainstream culture, there is no need to fall victim to its short-term effects.
