While Still Enjoying Your Favorite Foods
The holiday season is here, and it’s filled with endless opportunities to celebrate with friends, family, and even some new faces. With all the festivities, you might wonder how to stick to your diet and avoid gaining those extra pounds. Or even better, how to still lose weight during this indulgent time!
Some reports suggest that the average person gains 3-7 pounds during the holidays. For those already struggling with weight, the average increase can be around 8 pounds. What’s even more concerning is that many people never fully lose this extra weight, leading to gradual, long-term weight gain.
But what’s most important is how the holidays affect YOU. Do you find yourself gaining a few pounds that are hard to shed when the new year rolls around? If you’d like to avoid this, while still enjoying all the seasonal treats and festivities, here’s the good news: you can celebrate and enjoy without the extra weight gain.
The Challenge with Holiday Weight Gain
In the U.S., the holiday season is lengthy. It often starts in October with Halloween, where an abundance of candy can easily make its way into your home. Then comes Thanksgiving, a meal that can average around 3,000 calories—well above the recommended daily intake of 1,800-2,400 calories. This doesn’t include appetizers or snacks, which can add another 1,500 calories to your day. Thanksgiving is typically followed by a whirlwind of holiday parties, luncheons, and family gatherings, providing plenty of opportunities to overindulge.
Winter holidays like Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanzaa often include large feasts as well, with meals easily exceeding 3,000 calories. It’s no surprise that people gain weight during this time. Many assume there’s no way to get through the holidays without putting on some pounds, but that’s simply not true. You can avoid the holiday weight gain—and even lose a few pounds—with the right strategies.
How to Enjoy Your Holiday Festivities and Still Lose Weight
The key to enjoying your holiday events without packing on pounds is to plan ahead and take care of your body amidst all the fun.
Here are five tips to help you maintain or even lose weight during the holidays:
1. Don’t Skip Meals on Party Days
It might seem like a good idea to skip meals before a big holiday feast, but this often leads to overeating later on. Instead, eat balanced, healthy meals throughout the day so that you’re less likely to overindulge at the party. Green smoothies make an excellent pre-party meal. They’re high in fiber and nutrients, helping you feel full and satisfied, so you can enjoy smaller portions at the event.
2. Use Portion Control
Holiday parties often have rich, delicious foods with few healthy options. Rather than depriving yourself, enjoy small portions of your favorite treats. Instead of grazing, make a small plate with the items you want and savor each bite. This approach lets you enjoy the festive foods without overindulging.
3. Green Smoothie Meal Replacements
To counteract the holiday excess, include several servings of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to help your body recover. Green smoothies are a convenient way to get these nutrients and keep you feeling full. Try replacing at least one meal a day with a green smoothie to balance out the effects of holiday eating.
4. Move Your Body
Don’t let the holidays derail your exercise routine. Keep up with your regular workouts, and if you have a lot of events lined up, consider adding some extra exercise to help manage the indulgences. Regular movement helps burn off excess calories and keeps your metabolism active.
5. Do a Quick Detox Between Festivities
Incorporate a few detox days between holiday events to cleanse your body. Green smoothies make tasty and effective detox drinks that help flush out excess without leaving you feeling deprived. A short detox after a party can help reset your system, and a longer detox in the new year can set you on a healthier path. This is my favorite 3-Day Detox program that’s PERFECT for the holidays.
The #1 Easiest Way to Stop Holiday Weight Gain in Its Tracks
Why wait until the new year to start losing weight? By then, you might have even more weight to lose. There’s an easier way to keep the weight off during the holidays—and even lose a few pounds while you’re at it. Watch the free presentation below to learn a simple method to manage your weight over the holidays and still enjoy the season.
