Weight gain during the holidays is one major concern for most people. Most people believe that most of their excess weight is gained during the holidays. We all love the holidays, but the holidays seem to help us increase our own baggage. At the end of a holiday many would have overeaten and gain one or more pounds between Christmas and New Year’s. With the holidays come the indigenous foods. For us in Trinidad it starts at Divali. The holiday foods are high in fats and sweets, and delicious. We end up eating more calories than our body really needs. And just by eating those sweets, cakes, cookies, etc., for every 3,500 calories eaten that the body don’t need, it will be stored as one-pound of body fat.
Strategies to Avoid Weight Gain During the Holidays
What are the best strategies to not gain weight during the holidays?
1. Limit your baking of holiday foods. Most likely during the holidays you get large amount of holidays foods else where. There is no need to cook varieties of your favorite high calorie food around this time.
2. Make low-fat versions of your favorite holiday foods. You can do this experimenting with your ingredients for those sauces, main dishes, dips and drink. You can leave out the whip cream, cream cheese, and frosting in most desserts, and gravy for your meat. Potatoes could be served without butter. Check the substitution chart for some good ideas or try new recipes that feature a healthier version of older familiar recipes.
3. Serve healthy appetizers, snacks, and fruits at family dinners. Serve healthy appetizers such as a vegetable soup before the main course. This helps you ensure the children get their vegetables first. However, cut down on the dressing for the vegetables and salads.
4. Control your alcohol intake which are high in calories and light on nutrients. Drink a bit of water to help cut down on your appetite and keep you from drinking too much alcohol.
5. Finally, eat a small meal if your are invited to a holiday part. A small meal such as a fruit salad or vegetable salad is ideal before you go there.
After the binge, walk around, or help the host clean up to work off those extra calories.
Enjoy you holidays! And remember weight gain during the holidays is easier.
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