How Not to Gain Weight Over the Holidays

Healthy Eating over the holiday season, which is approaching very fast,is not easy and trying not to gain weight and stay in balance can be a challenge for many. The holiday season lasts quite a number of weeks and depending on how many functions and parties you go to it can seem even longer.  Self-control can be very challenging 🙂

We tend to over indulge in food and beverages, especially alcohol and sodas which are so full of sugar and carbs, we would not normally indulge in when we are eating throughout the day..  When we are around family and friends we are having such a good time (or not) that food and drink control is not what we are thinking about.  Therefore we tend to over indulge unconsciously.  Boy, do we usually regret it!!!!! How many times do you make that New Years Resolution to lose the weight you put on over the holidays?

My thing is I am usually healthy, very conscious of what I eat and drink and do not eat desserts, wheat, dairy and meats.  Unfortunately, over the holiday period, I do sometimes find I indulge in a dessert or candies and sweets.  These will  have dairy, sugars, and wheat in them.  Sugar being the feel good factor and also the first thing the body will use as energy instead of the fat.

For the next weeks my body is having a field day, upset stomach, bloating, low energy and generally not in a good mood. The toxins in my body are taking it’s toll.  Time for a detox and back to salads and vegetables.

How can we change this?

How not to gain weight over the holidays – What I have done for the last couple of years is a strategy I teach my clients also..

October I decide to detox and get really healthy. Cutting out sugar, dairy, wheat and alcohol.

The the last week of October I go on a 30 day gluten free, dairy free, vegan type of eating and drinking throughout the day. Lots of vegetables, salads and water. This then has the effect of getting really healthy, feeling good and also lose\ing some weight.

Once the holidays come around I am feeling so good about myself image that I refrain from over indulging in the foods that affect me.  The other thing I do is think about how bad I feel if I do eat the foods and this also stops me.

Other Strategies to use not to gain weight over the holidays

• write down what makes you feel bad  (read it daily)
• be positive and believe in yourself
• limit portion size
• eat healthy before you leave home to fill you up
• drink lots of water

Something else you can do to not gain weight over the holidays is if you have a dairy intolerance then get some Lactaid Tablets. If you have a Gluten intolerance you can take Gluten Enzyme pills.  Keep them with you all the time so you can easily take them when necessary.

Remembering that holidays and special events come throughout the whole year and therefore it is good to practice these tips all year round.

Keeping a food diary is something I mention to all my clients, you will be surprised what you find out about yourself when you do this.

Remember to also monitor what your children are eating and drinking over the holidays.  Well-intentioned relatives and friends think it is ok to give the sugar and treats not realizing what the effect can be on them.

-Please share your thoughts and comments-

Enjoy your holidays, stay healthy and happy and take these tips to help you not gain weight over the holidays, and above all do not take guilt and regret into the New Year.  You can always start the New Year off on the right foot to health.

I would ask that you please share   Just leave your thoughts in the comment section below and remember to read what others have left as well.  Thank you.

Helen

Over the years I have helped many of my clients manage their lifestyle with a healthy weight in mind.  Private, group and skype sessions are available all over the world.

It would be my pleasure to have you as one of my clients.

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