Weight Loss During Holidays

By Padmapreetham Mahalingam

Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 16:16 [IST]

It is the holiday season now and everybody is in a mood to rejoice, have fun, splurge and there definitely are no plans to control the diet or starve. After a yearlong adherence to strict diet and regular exercising to keep your body in shape, no one would want to be a killjoy during the winter holiday season when there is a merry-go around of parties or get- togethers. Winter Holidays are always the most fantastic time of the year, but for dieters it can be a bit of nightmare as extra calories lurk around the corner.

Most of the plans to eat less and exercise dwindles between Christmas and New Year. We find it hard to resist the temptation of high calorie foods like frosted cookies, apple pie, jelly doughnuts and chocolates; and even one taste of stuffing would lead us to eat more. Then how do you prevent holiday weight gain? Staying on track of your food habits can be a daunting task especially during the holiday season, so it is better to indulge in moderation if you want to avoid weight gain.

Skipping fattening foods may seem like a smart move which may eventually help you avoid weight gain. Following a weight loss holiday diet can allow you to eat and celebrate the season without stacking on a few pounds. Here are some tips for weight loss that can help you keep a watch on your weight and save you from piling on the calories. Balancing the holiday food intake can keep you away from the holiday weight gain syndrome. Follow these tips for weight loss if you don't want to put on some extra pounds.

Keep your eye on the weight

Never go to party when you're starving or on diet; make sure to have a nutritional bite beforehand in order to resist the temptation of overindulging. Mindful planning of your diet with healthy snacking is a perfect weight loss holiday strategy to maintain your weight and to minimise your weight gain without leaving you stressed.

Distract your attention

The holiday season is not about food and alcohol; it is about getting together with friends and family. You can still have fun without tossing away your healthy food habits. If you ever try consuming high calorie stuff at a social bash in the night, make sure to regulate your diet during the day.

Stay active

Nothing can help you attain a healthy weight loss during the holiday season more than some physical activity. Holidays can keep you busy throughout the day and you won't have the spare time for yourself. If you don't have time to hit the gym or yoga classes, then the ideal thing to do is to go for a brisk walk. Just 15 to 20 minutes of walking can keep you fit.

Be picky – try to outsmart the buffet

Don't waste your health by mindlessly munching salty or sugary snack at social events. Scrutinise the buffet before you pack your plate with certain fatty foods that you want to avoid eating. The tip for weight loss is to be choosy and pick the stuff that you want to eat. Use the small plate if available and limit your helpings and eat in moderation. Fresh vegetables and fruits are the best choices to pick.

Don’t clean your plate

Graciously sampling all the food in your plate to please your host is not needed if you want to watch your weight. There's no need to clean the plate just to get your host's appreciation.

Just say a big no

Saying no tactfully to your host isn't a bad idea. Make sure to say "I'm sorry, it looks enticing, but I'm full right now". Be firm when refusing, but make sure to courteously thank the host for asking.

Get emotional support

Eating less can take the edge off your craving. Following a strict weight loss holiday diet can resist the temptation to nibble. Ask your diet friend to motivate and give you emotional support when you feel frustrated and down. Avoiding weight gain needs awareness and strong commitment.