Christmas is approaching fast and lots of people not only tend to ruin their usual diets, but they also gain a few extra pounds. Based on studies, the majority of people tend to gain additional weight during the holiday season that starts at Thanksgiving Day and ends with the New Year celebrations. Excessive eating is claimed to be the main cause for the additional weight gain, but it is also due to lack of physical activity and exercise. Always bear in mind that you can still enjoy the holidays and stay fit at the same time. If you want to stay fit during the holiday season, especially during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, here are some useful tips that might help you:
1. Eat Before Heading Out
First, it is best that you eat something before heading out to visits, trips or family dinners. By doing so, you will no longer be tempted to eat a lot or overindulge yourself since you have already eaten. Skipping on meals is not a good idea either, because you will only be forced to eat more later.
2. Avoid Skipping Meals
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast! Even though it can be tempting to skip on certain meals, believing that it will make up for the treats you consumed in the previous day, don’t do it because it will only lead to counterproductive results.
3. Drink with Moderation
It is best to regulate your drinking since alcohol, coke or other juices will only add more calories to the ones you already eaten!
4. Be Active
You should still perform your fitness routine whenever possible and if you can’t do that, simply walk more.
5. Don’t Skip Your Strength Workouts
Always remember to perform your strength training in order to maintain that muscle mass you worked hard to get. You might be tempted to use light weights and just do some cardio, but you can burn just as many calories by lifting weights. And with all of those extra steaks you had on the holiday meals, you might even gain some extra muscle. And this is much better than gaining some extra fat.
6. Enjoy Yourself
Also make sure to set realistic diet plans! Trying to restrain yourself totally from some foods will only make you eat more. Feel free to enjoy the treats that you really love, but in small portions.
7. Drink a Lot of Water
This can satiate your appetite as well as keep you hydrated at all times. And it will also prevent a possible hangover if you overdo it with alcohol.
8. Eat Less and More Often
Distribute your meals evenly throughout the day and do not eat everything at once. Instead of having two enormous meals, have five small ones. Eat your dinner earlier and have a nice walk before going to bed.
So there you go! Eight simple tips that will help you avoid gaining weight during the winter holidays, but will also allow you to enjoy yourself and have a great time with your loved ones.
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