Festivity is in the air, and so is the smell of good food. But are you worried about weight gain this holiday season? Don't worry, here are 5 ways to keep the weight off.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Making a plan for how you want to approach the holidays is key. Decide what food and drinks you will allow yourself and in what amounts — stick to the plan! Stock up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and whole grains. Make sure that your plan also includes activities such as walking or running around the block after meals or joining a local gym for regular exercise. This will help prevent overeating and unhealthy holiday weight gain, keeping you on track.
Meal prep is also an important part of planning ahead — making sure you have healthy, calorie-controlled meals on hand will help keep you from being tempted by unhealthy treats all the time. Plus, meal prepping saves a lot of time and energy.
Pro Tip: Be realistic about your planning. Do allow yourself to enjoy the season’s treats in moderation while also focusing on healthy eating. You really don't have to deprive yourself of the holiday season's traditional treats just because you're scared of holiday weight gain! Just watch your portions, plan ahead, and you're good to go.
Tip #2: Drink Water
Yes, you gotta drink water! Staying hydrated is important to maintain your overall health and it can also help you manage your weight during the holidays. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will make you feel fuller so that when it’s time to have a meal, you won’t feel the need to overload your plate. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water throughout the day!
Pro Tip: If you don't enjoy drinking plain water, infuse it with fruits or herbs. This will give it a refreshing taste and make it more enjoyable to drink. You can even try our 28 Day Teatox, which will keep you hydrated whilst reducing bloating.
Tip #3: Snack Smartly
The holiday season is a time when you are encouraged to surround yourself with all kinds of foods. From big family dinners to office parties, there are opportunities to overeat everywhere you turn! You might find yourself snacking unnecessarily (it happens to the best of us), but there are ways you can snack smartly and keep the weight off.
Out of sight, out of mind — it definitely works like a charm. If you keep unhealthy snacks out of sight, you’ll be less likely to indulge in them. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruits nearby and leave the cookies in that hard-to-open corner cupboard.
Another way to snack smartly is to make sure you’re eating regularly throughout the day. This will help to control your hunger and prevent you from unhealthy snacking. You can also have our Super Lean Shots and Super Fat Burning Gummies because they will keep you full as well as energized (all while being low in calories).
Tip #4: Beware of Liquid Calories
During the holiday season, it’s easy to mindlessly consume liquid calories. Whether it’s from eggnog, mulled wine, hot chocolate, or sugary coffee, these calories can quickly add up and lead to weight gain.
To avoid this, be mindful of what you’re drinking! Detox teas or juices, such as our much-loved Green Cleansing Elixir, Tropic Tone Up, and Detox Cherry Bomb, will help you reduce bloating, prevent overeating, speed up your metabolism, and counter water retention. Plus, these will also boost your nutrition and improve your immunity!
Tip #5: Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals will leave you feeling hungrier, more likely to overeat, and less satisfied with healthier food options. Try to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and don’t forget healthy snacks in between! Eating small meals throughout the day will help keep you full and make it less likely that you’ll overindulge.
Additionally, it is important to keep your meals balanced and nutrient-dense. Eating foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats will help fuel your body with the energy it needs and will make you feel more satisfied after each meal.
However, note that if you're into intermittent fasting, then you can still give it a go during the holidays. Just make sure to stick to it, be mindful of your food choices, and be strategic about the meals you do skip.
Main Takeaway
The holidays are a time for cheer and celebration, but it’s also important to be mindful of your health and wellness. With the right mindset and some conscious decision-making, you can still enjoy all the holiday festivities without sacrificing your weight loss goals (or even weight maintaining goals).
You can have your gingerbread cookies and eat them too…as long as you practice moderation and stick to your routine. Remember: plan your meals, watch your portions, drink plenty of water, snack smartly, beware of liquid calories, and don’t skip meals. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier and happier holiday season!
