Weight gain is always a problem during the holidays. Self-control goes out the window when there are so many holiday parties to attend and each one offers an array of cookies, snacks, and other unhealthy options. Unless you have the willpower to refuse all the chocolate and homemade goodness, you might want to follow these simple tips to avoid weight gain this holiday season.
Get Active
Most people wait until after the New Year to start an exercise program, but why wait? Start now. Not only does this give you a chance to get a jumpstart on your health, it also burns a lot more calories. You’ll feel less guilty if you do overindulge this season if you’re being active too. You’ll burn calories, stay fit, and feel better about yourself.
Have Healthy Snacks on Hand
It’s easy to stick your hand in the office candy bowl when you’re starving and have nothing else to eat. Instead of giving into the temptation of eating a dozen little chocolate pieces, why not keep some healthy options on hand?
To make it even easier to stay healthy and on track, consider buying yourself a healthy snack subscription box. It’s mailed to you, so the effort is entirely on someone else. It doesn’t get easier when it comes to good health.
Eat Prior to Events
It’s not fun to make dinner prior to a Christmas party, but do it to maintain good health. If you eat a healthy meal before you leave the house, your body is full and you’re less tempted to snack aimlessly on the delicious but unhealthy options at the party. You eat less, but it doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in something you love.
Get to Bed Earlier
Did you know that staying up late and not getting enough sleep prevents your body from burning calories? It slows your metabolism, and it can cause you to gain weight. It’s not easy to get to bed on time and make the most of your time when you’re busy this season, but try to keep a healthy sleep schedule. You’re going to eat less when you’re well-rested, and you’re going to burn more calories when you slept well.
Bid Farewell to Stress
It’s not easy this time of year. Christmas lists, events, work, school, parties, things that require your attention and time, and the overwhelming feeling of not having enough time to do it all can make you feel overly stressed.
If you can find a way to manage your stress this time of year, you can find a way to help keep yourself from gaining weight. Not only does feeling stressed cause you to stress eat, it also slows your metabolism and weakens your immune system. Control your stress to control your weight gain.
This might be the most difficult time of year to stay on track, but it’s not impossible. Your goal is to remain mindful this season. Be mindful of every little piece of chocolate, your portion sizes, and your stress levels. Listen to your body, and take a break when you need one. It’s the little things like these that help you stay on track when you’re otherwise overwhelmed.