Holiday Weight Gain is Real and It Starts Earlier than You Think
Holiday Weight Gain is Real
Holiday weight gain is real, and it starts in October.
Experts say that the weight fluctuations people experience around the holiday season start in October and peak after Christmas. They have also discovered that the average person takes FIVE MONTHS to shed this holiday weight. We figured it’s easier to avoid the weight gain altogether, than to spend your winter months stressing. That’s why we put together our top tips for avoiding holiday weight gain.
Get Moving
This one’s pretty obvious, but with colder weather and busier schedules sometimes our workout routine takes a back seat. Instead of waiting until New Year’s to set a resolution, stick with your workout schedule NOW. Plan your workouts on your calender and stick to them like you would any other commitment. If you’re lucky enough to live in the South, take advantage of the cooler weather and take long, after dinner walks. We love tracking our steps with a step tracker to make sure we get at least 10,000 steps per day.
Don’t Treat the Entire Month of November and December like a Holiday
It’s perfectly normal to indulge on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. However, if you’re treating the entire Season like one big holiday and not being mindful about what you’re eating, that’s where it’s easy to gain weight. Spend the holidays catching up with family and enjoying the foods that you wouldn’t normally get the chance to eat. But keep in mind that if you’re eating a piece of Halloween candy every day in October, a homemade pie every day in November and a Christmas cookie every day in December, those calories are going to add up! When you think back to all the holidays throughout your life, you remember the meals eaten with family. I bet you’re less likely to remember those random treats you eat at the office. Snack wisely.
All About Balance
We are firm believers that your body will tell you exactly what it needs. Listen carefully to what it is telling you. One day you may crave chocolate and desserts and goodies and the next day you might really want to fill up on crispy salads. It’s important to obey your body. Once you develop a more relaxed approach to eating, your body will cue you when it’s naturally full.
Slow Down
When eating a large meal or multiple courses, really take your time. Slowing down will allow you to tune in to your natural hunger cues. Your body will signal you when it’s full, but it can’t do this if you eat too quickly!
Try not to Skip Meals
We’ve all done it; saved up our appetites in anticipation of a big holiday dinner. This can often lead to over-eating. Skipping meals can trigger the release of hormones that control your hunger and it may be harder to feel full when it comes time to eat. Instead, try to eat smaller portioned, nutrient dense meals throughout the day.
