Avoid Weight Gain During The Holidays

Take Control of Your Weight During the Holiday Season

Avoid Weight Gain During The Holidays

The holidays are a perfect time to focus on family and friends, not food. It’s also an important time to move more and eat better.

To stay healthy during the holidays, you don’t have to avoid the joys of the season and its many treats. You can simply follow these helpful tips to help you avoid adding pounds during this time of year, and as the year progresses. Here are some ideas to prevent you from ringing in the New Year above your current weight:

Keep yourself accountable. To make sure you eat just enough for you, write down what you eat and drink during the holidays, especially those holiday splurges like pie with whipped cream. Use free, online calorie trackers to get some idea of the calories in the foods you’re eating.

Don’t save up for big meals. Never go to a party hungry. Grab a light snack before stepping out in style. Eat an apple or half a turkey sandwich on whole-wheat bread with mustard or your favorite salsa. This way, you won’t be tempted to go overboard and eat more than you should.

Watch the holiday libations. Alcohol contains no nutrients, but plenty of calories. Holiday drinks that combine alcohol with chocolate or cream can quickly cause you to take in more calories than your body needs. Skip the eggnog and go with calorie-free bottle, plain or sparkling water, when they’re available. If you want to have alcohol, try adding a small amount of wine to club soda for a low-cal spritzer.

Walk this way. Walking back and forth to the buffet table is not exercise! Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. To get started, consider taking 2 to 3 short walking breaks during the workday. Low-impact activities like walking or yoga may help reduce holiday stress and help you stay at a healthy weight.

Have fun with the kids. Pull them away from video games and the computer and celebrate the holidays with gifts that will get everyone up and moving—roller skates, bikes, and jump ropes. Don’t forget helmets, knee pads, and safety gear for everyone. Inspire your children to begin a lifetime of safe and healthy habits.

For more information about ways to stay healthy during the holidays and beyond, call the Weight-Control Information Network at 1-877-942-4627 or visit www.win.niddk.nih.gov.