Avoid the Gift of Weight Gain
Hatch a plan for handling food gifts. It doesn't hurt to hint at friends and family that you're waist-watching and would prefer not to receive edible treats.
If you still end up with a box of chocolates in your stocking, take one or two, and serve the rest to your holiday guests. Or, take the entire box to the office for co-workers to enjoy. Better still, donate unopened food gifts to a local food bank or mission.Cut Back on Cocktails
Whether you're attending a party or sitting down for a family meal, keep your alcohol intake in check. Drinking not only ups your caloric-intake and decreases your will-power, but it may also stimulate your appetite. Consider how many calories these drinks have, according to Calorie Count:- beer (12 oz.) - 153 calories
- rum (2 oz.) and Coke (5 oz.) - 149 calories
- whiskey sour (2 oz. mix and 1.5 oz. whiskey) - 162 calories
Eat Mindfully
Eat slowly and mindfully at parties and family get-togethers to keep from overeating. Allow others to get in front of you at the buffet; if the spread is "picked over" by the time you get to it, some of the more fattening fare may be gone.
Allow yourself small portions of the foods you really enjoy rather than dishing out a little bit of everything. Try reasonable portions of new foods rather than loading up your plate with things you could eat anytime.Take the Scenic Route
Keep those Christmas cookies from ending up on yours hips by moving as much as possible. Walking regularly is an ideal way to keep your activity level up. Walk to neighborhood get-togethers, nearby holiday events or to do errands. Taking in the community decorations is a fun incentive for getting out there.
When shopping, park as far away as possible from stores and walk briskly through the parking lot. If you use public transportation, get off before your stop and walk the rest of the way. In the mall, use the stairs instead of the elevator.Get Enough Sleep
It's a busy time of year, but don't let your sleep schedule suffer. Research has shown there may be a connection between getting too little sleep and gaining weight. Feeling tired may also inspire you to eat too much and too often. We tend to reach for high-sugar or high-fat foods when feeling sluggish in order to "perk" up. Get in eight hours a night and you'll find it easier to stay on track.
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