Don’t Put on the Pounds this Holiday Season

Following these 10 tips can help you avoid gaining 10 pounds.

1. Exercise. Yes the big E keeps coming up. If there is a magic bullet for health it’s moving that bod of yours. Whether it’s a full work out at your gym, a skate at the local rink, snow shoeing, or walking get out there and move. You’ll feel better and you’ll reduce your chances of adding some big numbers on the scale.

2. Remember weight gain and weight loss is all about math; calories in and calories out. You gain weight when those calories in out number those calories out. It’s amazing how many calories are in one little nibble of cheese, a couple of crackers, and a glass of wine or beer. You can rack up an extra 500 calories and dinner hasn’t even been served. Think math, mentally do some adding while you are nibbling.

3. Stay away from the food table at a party. Get your drink and a nibble and then go and talk to people. Next thing you know you won’t be thinking about those munchies; you’ll be engaged in a conversation that you might have missed if you were hanging about the treats.

4. Special diet needs? Vegetarian? Offer to bring a dish you love and enough for others. At least you’ll have something to eat and won’t be tempted to nosh on high calorie snacks because you’re feeling either hungry or that no one really cares about your dietary needs. Empower yourself by coming armed with your favourite dish, who knows you may just convert someone into loving whole wheat pasta with tofu and shiitake mushrooms. Hey, it could happen!

5. If there’s a buffet in store for you check it our before you blindly attack it. See what really looks amazing. There isn’t a rule that you need to try everything. Be a choosey.

6. I always say, “Never eat anything bigger than your head.” Size matters; always has always will, so limit those portion sizes. If you really want that decadent brownie, have half. After the second or third bite you really can’t taste it anymore so having a smaller portion that you savour will make it more of a treat.

7. Drink lots of water. When you think you’re hungry you may in fact be thirsty and didn’t recognize the signal. Have a large glass of water before going to party or about half an hour before dinner.

8. Never arrive at a party starving; it’s a recipe for calorie overload. Have a small handful of nuts and a glass of orange juice or tomato juice before leaving for the party. You’ll feel fuller and won’t be tempted to over eat once you get there.

9. Be picky. If the party has homemade shortbread, indulge yourself with one or two, and skip the store bought ones. Wouldn’t you rather have a special treat than scarf down fourteen store bought boxed cookies anyway?

10. Be gentle on yourself. Hey, we all fall off the wagon; the trick is to get back on right away. Don’t kid yourself that you’ll start that diet on Monday, by then you could be up 10 big ones. Start right away. Overeat at Grandmas? Start the next morning with a small bowl of whole grain cereal, a glass of juice and go for a big walk. Your heart and you behind will love you for it.