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Your Guide to Keeping Fit in the Holiday Season

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The holidays are here and that easily translates into parties and good food. There’s merriment all around but for many people, this time of the year poses a difficult challenge- to not pile on more weight.

It certainly isn’t easy to win with all the delectable dishes in sight and the glorious smells wafting through the air.

If you are one of the people trying to get through this situation, help is at hand.

Don’t Stay Huddled Up

Yes, it’s cold outside but that doesn’t mean you while away your time sitting huddled up in a blanket. The less exercise you get, the more weight you’re going to pile on. So get moving and do whatever you can to shake off the excess weight.

Exercise at home or at the gym. If you can’t, indulge in winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing to burn some calories. If you have a dog, don’t put off walking it; a brisk walk can do wonders for both of you.

Plan Wisely

If you have been going to the gym in the evenings, you may end up not exercising on quite some days in the holiday season. That’s because most parties and get-togethers will be held later in the day.

Don’t make excuses; schedule your visits to the gym in the mornings. This way you won’t miss out on exercising because of the holiday parties that you need to attend.

Keep Your Goals in Mind

If you have been on a diet for quite a while, you surely have a goal in mind. Focus on whatever you’re trying to achieve and try not to give in to temptations. This doesn’t mean you steer completely clear of all your favorite dishes.

Give in to your indulgences once in a while but don’t overdo it.

Don’t Adopt Crazy Methods to Shed Weight

If you have a diet plan in place, stick to it. If you don’t, find one that works best for you. There are several diets that promise unrealistic and unattainable goals. Don’t fall for such things.

Also keep in mind that a particular diet cannot work for everyone. Just research well and pay attention to what you eat, even if you’re ordering freebies samples.

Furthermore, if you happen to over eat, don’t skip the next meal. Skipping a meal will only make you hungrier and anyways, it won’t help you burn calories.

Eat Your Fill before Heading to the Venue

Say goodbye to the days when you used to skip lunch to save your appetite. Eat well before the party starts so that you’re feeling full by the time you arrive at the venue. This way, you’ll be less tempted to gorge on the delicacies.

Focus on Socializing

Turn your focus away from the food. Remember, the holidays are meant to spend time with loved ones. Strike up interesting conversations with people you know. But you had better keep away from friends or relatives who are there just for the food!

You might want to share your goals and determination with a close friend or relative. They’ll be able to keep you motivated in these tough times.

Know What to Eat

You don’t have to not eat anything at all when invited to parties. But knowing what to eat and what to avoid will help you keep unwanted calories at bay.

Choose protein over carbohydrates. That means you can go for legumes, lentils, beans, and lean meats but it would do you good to avoid white bread and pastries. If you must have bread, go for multi-grain. Be sure to select your choice of meat carefully. Go for grilled or steamed options instead of fried meats.

Fill up your plate with all the salads and veggies you can see. This will increase your fiber intake, keeping you full for long without adding calories. Remember to avoid mayonnaise or cream-based dressings. Opt for low-fat or vinaigrette dressings, or make do with just a dash of olive oil.

When it comes to desserts, stick to having fruit. If you need something else, see if there’s Jell-O or pudding. If there are cakes, muffins, and cookies, go for the unfrosted ones. A good idea is to take along a granola bar or any low calorie snack to munch on. This way, you get to satiate your cravings without pangs of guilt.

Remember to get small helpings of whatever you pick. Get a small-sized plate instead of a large one to pile on your food; it will help you eat less.

Wait before Getting a Second Helping

You need about 20 minutes before your brain registers that you’re full. So take your time to eat and chew slowly. Once you finish, you may be tempted to go for a second helping. Just wait and the feeling will eventually pass.

Of course, this won’t happen if you just stand there eyeing all the food. Go for a stroll or as mentioned, focus on socializing.

Watch What You Drink

Stay away from sugar-laden fruit juices and sodas at all times. Alcohol too, can add unnecessary calories to your meals. Moreover, you could easily give in to your food temptations once you get a little tipsy.

A little wine won’t do you harm. Stick to drinking water for the rest of the party. It’s also important to sip on water during the day as it will keep you hydrated and feeling full.

And lastly,

When you are the Host

Things could get out of control. That’s because you might be left with large quantities of food after the party. You don’t want all that good food to torment you for another couple of days.

Buy a few Tupperware boxes well in advance and distribute the food among your guests for them to take home.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to emerge victorious!

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