Weight loss – 10 tips to keep from gaining weight during the holidays

By Diet | Feb 9, 2010

The holiday season always presents challenges on how to avoid gaining weight. The conventional thinking is that many people gain between 5 to 8 pounds during the season of parties and festivities. A more realistic figure is about 3 pounds. But if you eat properly during the season, you can still enjoy the party and returned home without gaining weight. Although this article focuses on the holiday season, these measures can be applied acrossyear.

Here are ten tips that may help to offset those extra calories you take in May during the holidays.

1. Physical activity helps offset those extra calories that you consume. The recommendation is 30 minutes of exercise per day. This could be a simple as walking 30 minutes or longer if time permits. In addition to burning calories, exercise helps relieve the stress that comes with the holidays.

2. Water, water everywhere, butrather, we do not drink. Drink a little throughout the day is a great way to keep your body hydrated. Many people do not drink the water and most do not drink enough. The recommended daily amount is 8 glasses of 8 ounces per day. Water acts as a shock absorber and lubricant common. It also helps to transport nutrients, waste disposal, and works in regulating body temperature. Even better, water has no fat, no calories and cholesterol.

3. When you are in this part of vacation and theretables of delicious food prepared, be selective about what you eat. Do not waste precious calories on the commands that you can get every day, like chips or crackers. Instead of "spending" your calories on things really well that you like and do not eat often.

Bundle 4 flavors. Although the variety may be the spice of life it can also lead to overeating. Group similar flavors together, for example, put only salty foods or meat on your plate at once. You'll get bored of the flavor faster and more accuratefeel satisfied with fewer calories.

5) Cut back on those portions. Make a visit to the buffet table and try to keep your portions small. Take this little plate possible and pile on the greens and other tasty vegetables first, leaving just a little room for those high-calorie treats like candy and cheese. Before going to the party Eat several small meals low in calories you can save your calorie quota for the party. Make sure however that you do not starve yourself and end upovereating.

6) Stay away from the buffet table. If you're standing next to the chips and dips, you may end up eating more than you realize. Once you've filled your plate removal if you will not be tempted to add another piece of food.

7) Alcohol may hit you with a "one, two punch 'during the holidays. First, it weakens your resistance when it comes to food and on the other hand, alcohol is high in calories which can add up quickly.In addition, alcohol tends to stimulate your appetite. Drink a glass of water between cocktails. It will also help you to feel full.

"I'll get what I paid for" – Do not feel as if you need to join the clean plate club just because you paid for it or it's your last meal for a week. If you think you've had enough and there is still food on your plate making a request in original container. Restaurants, especially, tend to serve portions that are two to three timesmore than necessary or should eat. Instead of the usual starch selections choose a double portion of vegetables. Stop eating as soon as you start to feel full. There is a delay between when you have enough to eat and when the brain sends the message.

9) Zen Yourself – The holiday season is a stressful time of year. Keep expectations manageable. Take additional steps to organize your time and make a list of tasks. If you prioritize the important tasks and work your listAccordingly, it will not feel too overwhelming. Be realistic about what you can and can not do and do not forget to take time to relax.

10) Do not fall into the trap where you ate more than you have planned for you to give up and eat even more. It is better to learn from experience and next time start with a salad and conversation. Remove yourself from Ground Zero buffet table and start over. The next time that begins today.