Oct 30, 2010 Amy Wingfield
Lose Weight During The Holidays - Alan Cleaver
The holiday season is approaching. Already, retail stores are clearing off the shelves of Halloween treats and refilling them with Christmas candy Stay on track with weight loss goals and avoid holiday weight gain this year by learning key weight loss methods.There are sweet and tasty temptations everywhere during the holiday season. Learn ways to avoid temptation, reduce stress and enjoy the festivities while continuing to lose weight.
Portion Control
Portion control is key to maintaining or losing weight. During the holiday season, it's hard to avoid temptations like Halloween treats, pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies and eggnog. Most people indulge and gain a few pounds. What's the harm in a few pounds?
The reality is that most people don't lose the weight. It adds up. Consider what might happen if someone puts on just a half a pound to a full pound once a week. In a year, that person has added 26-52 pounds on their frame without hardly noticing it. It happens little by little if it is not carefully monitored. Once the weight is added on, especially more than 5 or 10 pounds, it's very hard to take it off again without determination and effort.
Obesity and being overweight has become an epidemic. Many of the world's health problems start as a result of gaining excess weight. A few pounds here and there over the years does matter. Most healthy adults need only 1,200-1,800 calories a day, depending on the activity level of the individual.
Consider breaking down those calories into 4-6 small meals throughout the day, each one about 200-400 calories each. This will keep the body constantly fueled and constantly at work burning calories. It also helps raise metabolism. Try using a small plate at meal times instead of a regular size plate. It will help one consume less food but still feel satisfied.
Eat Before Going Out
Learning to make healthier food choices can help one avoid unhealthy choices at holiday parties. It might help to eat a bowl of oatmeal or a salad, fresh fruit, air popped popcorn or steamed vegetables before heading off to a party. All of these choices provide fiber and are digested slowly, thus giving the body a feeling of fullness longer than other foods. At the event, munch on fruits & fresh vegetables instead of cheese, crackers and dessert.
Opt for ice water or hot tea to drink instead of alcohol, punch or eggnog. Ice water is a great choice to fill up on, because not only does it help to fill one up, but the ice water must be heated by the body to be used in the body. The body burns calories to heat up the water. Flavor water with lemon or lime if necessary
Chewing Gun & Mints
Grab a piece of gum or a peppermint instead of that Hershey's bar, cheesecake or ginger bread this holiday season. The long running show, The Biggest Loser, is now working with gum manufacturers to promote sugar free gum as an alternative to snacks and munchies. One stick of sugar free gum packs a total of 5 calories but keeps hunger pains and temptations at bay.
Walk Away the Pounds
A boy in motion tends to stay in motion. Continue to count calories and keep portions small. Eat small, frequent meals and snacks every 3-4 hrs throughout the day. Fill up on ice water or hot tea whenever possible, snack on sugar free gum and peppermints when necessary and take a walk at least once a day. A 30 minute walk 3-5 times a week can keep the body active. Do more if possible.On those days of parties and events, consider working out or taking a walk before and after the event. Stay away from the dessert table and stay active this holiday season.
Practicing all of these tips and tricks should guarantee continued weight loss success.
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