How To Avoid the Dreaded Holiday Weight Gain

By Kelly Turner on November 17th, 2009

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Well, it’s that time of year again, folks. That special time of the year where your credit cards get maxed out, your house is filled with family you hardly ever see, and when holiday treats are lurking around every corner to comfort you in your time of need. Bowls of candy at the office, tins of cookies from your neighbors, left over Halloween candy, and pies, pies, and more pies.

So, who cares? It’s the season to celebrate! Bring it on! Champagne soaked parties, peanut brittle at midnight, and peppermint white chocolate mochas are some of the best parts of the holidays! The big deal is that most Americans gain about 1-5 pounds from Halloween to New Year’s, and according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health, most Americans never lose that holiday weight.

Wouldn’t it be nice, just this once, not to have a New Year’s resolution devoted to weight loss? That doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself in your house and not partake in any of the fun. In fact, it’s actually possible to enjoy those seasonal treats without fear of packing on the pounds–if you do it right.

Outsmart the Serve Yourself Setup

Buffets, pot lucks, and free-for-alls are a mindless eating trap. When dinner is served buffet-style, use the smallest plate you can find, and first fill it up with fruits and veggies (and watch the dip!) then go back for the good stuff. Don’t stack your foods, as you can lose sight of your portions. And if you really must have something ooey-gooey, take only one bite’s worth. If you finish and still want more, go ahead, but chances are you will be full off the healthy stuff and won’t want to go back.

Limit Your Alcohol

It’s not just about the added calories alcohol heaps on, but about control, or more specifically, lack of it. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, making you less likely to think twice about grabbing a little of this and a little of that, and can leave you dehydrated, which is often mistaken for hunger. Alternate drinks with water, or diet soda instead, so you don’t feel left out. Or, because those parties get a little nuts, save your friends and your waistline by offering to be the designated driver.

Bring Your Own Treats

It’s the season of giving, so mask your ulterior motive with a bright red bow. Whether you’re going to a friend’s party or an office potluck, bringing a healthy, low-calorie treat that you know you’ll enjoy will leave everyone happy. Plus, you’ll be more likely to stick to it, and not feel deprived. Furthermore, you’ll know exactly what’s in it, which you can’t say for anything else offered.

Make Every Choice Conscious

Before you put anything in your mouth, ask, “Is it worth it?” If yes, go ahead–even if it’s a brownie–but if not, put it back. Most of our holiday eating is mindless; a taste of the dough from you batch of cookies, a piece of cheese that fell off the platter, the left over dip from the container. Make every decision a conscious one–don’t just pop things in your mouth.

Check Your Schedule

There are A LOT of days between Halloween and New Year’s, but not every one is a special occasion. Save your splurges for when they are worth it–Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, special parties, and so on, but not the days in between.

Exercise!

Get off the couch and move! It may not seem worth it with a belly full of turkey dinner, but every little bit counts. Winter is a great time to get active: go ice skating, snowboarding, snow shoeing, build a snowman, or just go for a crisp walk. Not only will exercise help burn off those indulgences, you’ll be so busy having fun you won’t think about eating.

Remember What You’re Celebrating

The holidays are a time to be with loved ones, to share, love, and give. We often make the holidays about food, and dread it because of that, but simply change your mind set. Remember what the holidays are really about–and that it has nothing to with chocolate, calories, and/or pounds.