How to Avoid Weight Gain During the Holidays

The hardest time of year to keep from gaining weight is over the end of the year holidays, especially over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Self control

1. Be selective when choosing what foods to eat, especially at buffet tables. Choose appetizers such as vegetables and avoid the ones that are high in saturated fats and sodium.

2. Use mindfulness when deciding what to eat. Avoid foods that are heavy in calories with fat and sugar.

3. Avoid being hungry before going to festivities where food is served. A snack beforehand can ward off the temptation to overindulge later.

4. Choose the foods you enjoy the most and the chew them slowly, savoring the flavor. Eating slowly helps to prevent overeating.

5. Don't linger at the table after you are finished eating to prevent nibbling. It takes the stomach 20 minutes to signal the brain that you are full.

6. After eating, take a walk. It will help the food to be digested and take away the temptation to start eating again if the food is still available.

7. Limit the intake of alcohol. If you do drink, drink calorie-free water between cocktails.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel the need to nibble are eating a meal, concentrate on fresh vegetable and avoid the dips and sauces that add calories.
• Limit the dessert portions which may be the most calorie-laden foods.
• If you have any health problems that are related to specific foods, make your food choices wisely.