Maintaining Weight During the Holidays

It’s officially that time of year where holidays are in full swing. The delicious food and drinks keep flowing, and so do the calories and fat that come with it all. Holidays don’t have to be a time to “gain” weight. You can still have your indulgences and keep up with you physic. How?

11 Steps to Maintaining Weight and being Healthy during the Holidays

1. Continue drinking water while you are sipping on those holiday drinks.  
   • Not only will the water help keep you hydrated, it will help keep you a little more full, and so you won’t consumer as many drinks. Win wine! The best part is it helps with that dreaded hangover that may or may not decide to make it’s presence depending on the amount of “fun” you had. 
2. Take a Walk
   • There tends to be a lot of sitting around during the holidays. Instead of sitting around, why not get up and take a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long walk, but a brisk walk around the block will help keep your metabolism going. A metabolism that’s already churning will help digest the holiday treats. 
3. Hold yourself accountable. If you say you’re going to do it, do it. 
   • We all say stuff like, ” oh tomorrow I will workout.” Then when it gets to tomorrow we make some excuse to not and promise ourself we will do it the next day. If you tell yourself you are going to do something then DO IT! 
4. Make healthy meals in between dinner parties and Holiday meals. 
   • The holiday season tends to have a lot of unhealthy, delicious foods, but the entire season doesn’t have to be filed with it. When you aren’t attending a cocktail hour, dinner or holiday party, make something healthy for dinner. 
5. Say NO to extra sauce and cream. You don’t have to say no completely just no to that extra. 
   • Would you like some more gravy on that? How about some more whip cream on that  pie. Your answer should be, NO. You don’t need the extra. If you have the extra on your plate you are bound to eat it. Save yourself a few calories where you can. 
6. Buddy Up- Find a friend and motivate each other
   • Find a friend and workout together or motivate each other to eat healthy meals. Working out with someone not only is a fabulous social outlet, but it’s doing your body good. If your buddy/ exercise partner isn’t in the same city make a workout plan and hold each other accountable. Make it a competition. Who can get more steps in this week, do a core challenge or make some sort of challenge up that works for the both of you. 
7. Carve Out time for You
   • Don’t forget to sleep and carve out time for yourself. I know I tend to eat more when I am extremely tired, because my brain thinks by eating more I will stay awake. This isn’t the case at all. Eating more usually makes me even more sleepy. Make sure you still do things for you. Read if that’s what you like to do, watch a movie, bake some cookies, just do something for you.
8. Don’t give yourself a pass everyday; respect your body. It does so many wonderful things for you everyday.
   • Don’t work yourself to the point of wearing your body down and getting sick, but do keep on going. Don’t give up on your normal exercise routine during the holidays just because it’s the holidays. Keep going! Don’t let others bad habits sway you either. Just because your friends/ family aren’t doing something doesn’t mean you can’t. 
9. Indulge in a little treat everyday. That being said DON’T overindulge. 
   • I recommend having a little something you like everyday. Whether that be a piece of chocolate, a few salty chips, etc. Don’t overindulge. Keep that “treat” item to one serving size or less. My  indulgence is usually a small piece of chocolate after dinner. 
10. Make a workout calendar. Writing it down will hold you more accountability. 
    • Write down your goals. You are more likely to hold yourself accountable when you write it down. Make it a goal to plan your your week. Plan what you are going to do. 
11. Have fun. Being healthy and physically active doesn’t have to be boring. Take a fun exercise class. 
    • Sign yourself up for a new workout class, run a turkey trot or holiday run. Working out and keeping yourself healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. Make your activity into a treat. What do I mean by that? Choose a restaurant or bar to grab dinner or happy hour at, that’s within walking distance and walk. 
12. Portion Control 
    • Don’t overload your plate. If the food is on your plate you are more likely to eat it, even when your full. That’s extra calories and fat you don’t need. If you want a little of everything than just take a little. With many options I recommend picking a few of your favorites. Even if you take a little with a lot of options your plate will still be quite hefty. 

Staying healthy physically is extremely important for your body and your mental well being. Keep it up, don’t give up on yourself. Maintaining your weight and being healthy during the holiday season doesn’t have to be a chore.  You got this!

Cheers!

XOXO