Gaining weight during the holidays can present a real problem for many of us. Thanks to calorie-laden foods, rich desserts and a more sedentary lifestyle, packing on those pounds is actually much easier than we may think.
In fact, did you know that studies have found that average weight gain during the holidays can be as much as one kilogram? The good news is that there are plenty of ways to remain healthy if the right strategies are employed. Let us look at five sure-fire tips to avoid gaining weight during the holidays.
1. Eat Foods in Moderation
This first suggestion is common sense and yet, many individuals find it difficult to follow. Indeed, it can be tough to deny a tasty meal when enjoying the holidays with friends and relatives. It is nonetheless critical to keep an eye on the types of foods that you are consuming. Excess calories will inevitably lead to weight gain.
2. Avoid Snacking Between Meals
Addressing average weight gain over Christmas will also need to take into account how easily foods and snacks can be accessed. From cookies and cakes to substances high in refined sugar, temptations can and will arise from time to time. It is instead much better to opt for healthy finger foods such as celery with low-fat cottage cheese or carrot sticks. Your waistline will thank you in the morning!
3. Consume Plenty of Fiber
Fiber should represent an important component of any diet, and this observation is just as true over the holidays. Indeed, losing weight on vacation could very well depend on how much fiber you consume. What are the benefits of this substance?
Fiber will enable us to feel full for longer periods of time. It is therefore a powerful solution if you wish to stave off those pesky hunger pangs. Also, fiber is known to slow down the digestive process. This helps to control blood sugar levels (once again, reducing the chances that you will be tempted to eat unhealthy foods). Some excellent sources of fiber include:
- Beans (such as chickpeas)
- Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Nuts (another great snack to keep close by)
Note that fiber can also be taken in the form of a supplement if required.
4. Remain Hydrated
We can often forget the importance of hydration when celebrating the holidays with friends and family members. We are not only referring to water from a metabolic perspective. Drinking plenty of water will “fool” our bodies into thinking that we are full. The stomach will then send signals to the brain so that sensations of hunger are dulled.
Furthermore, water helps to flush out many of the toxins (such as alcohol) that are likely to be consumed over Christmas. Remaining hydrated ensures that our joints are lubricated and that the chances of developing muscle cramps after sitting for an extended period of time are reduced. This also brings us to the final point.
5. Exercise if Possible
Few of us associate the holiday season with a rigorous training schedule. If anything, we consider this season to represent an opportunity to take a much-needed break. Unfortunately, the body will often suffer as a result.
We are not necessarily recommending training five days a week in this sense. However, it is still important to remain as physically active as possible. Here are some suggestions that can be easily integrated into a typical holiday schedule:
- Stretching for 20 minutes every morning before breakfast.
- Taking a walk around the block after consuming a heavy meal.
- Following along with online exercise videos from the comfort of your home.
- Scheduling an excursion into nature with close family members.
Try to be realistic with your itinerary in order to find a balance between remaining active and enjoying what the Christmas season has to offer.
This is the Season to be Healthy
Whether you are hoping to augment the benefits associated with the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon or you simply wish to remain healthy, all the tips mentioned above can provide impressive results. After all, why not start the new year off in the right direction? Although many believe that gaining weight during the holidays is unavoidable, nothing could be further from the truth.
