By Katie Boscia, RD, IBCLC, CDE
‘Tis the season for holiday weight gain. This year instead of gaining the average 5-12 pounds and then working it off in the new year, try to stay on top of the pounds by using the following tips.
Stay Active. It’s that time of year when it gets colder and all you want to do is snuggle under a blanket and not move. Even though you may not be able to go outside and exercise, make it a point to move around inside where it’s warm.
Don’t go to a party hungry. Everyone has those favorite treats they look forward to during the holidays. Parties are in full swing and will have lots of high-fat, high-calorie snacks. Try to eat something healthy and filling like veggies before you go, instead of waiting until the party and filling up on empty calories.
Everything in moderation. It’s OK to have a little of those treats you’ve been looking forward to all year. But instead of sitting down and eating half a pie, indulge in a couple of bites so you can have the taste without the weight gain.
Be careful of high-calorie drinks. It’s that time when all the yummy flavored coffee drinks are out and everyone is indulging in alcohol during holiday get-togethers. These drinks can add up in calories without you realizing it. When drinking alcohol, pace yourself by drinking water in between beverages. Indulge in small coffee drinks only every once in a while.
Stay focused but have fun! Pay attention to what you’re eating, but still have a good time. Being around family and friends during the holidays should be about catching up and reconnecting, not about how much food you can eat.
Be mindful of the calories you’re consuming as well as how much activity you’re doing.
It’s easy to fall into the winter pattern of eating more and moving less because of the weather. Be sure to balance out any extra calories by exercising and you should be able to maintain your weight rather than worry about that winter gain!