Let’s face it, we all want to be able to eat and not get fat, but this simply isn’t the reality. This can be the hardest during the holiday season.
There are people who go through the holidays by going to parties and restricting themselves to some point. At the end of the day, they are unhappy because they could not fully enjoy the party and they feel bad because they still gain some extra weight. It is not easy to stick to eating raw veggies when there is so much yummy food around.
I am constantly watching my nutrition most the year. When it gets close to the holidays, I usually tighten it up two to three weeks prior to the holidays and lose a few extra pounds. This allows me to have no restrictions during the holidays. I can indulge and spend time with my family and friends the way I like it. I know I will put on some weight, but it does not bother me because I also know that as soon as the holidays are over, I will be back to my normal nutrition and training and that extra weight will be gone within two to four weeks.
If you would like to keep your weight gain to the minimum, here are some tips for you:
1. Avoid mixing alcohol with carbs and sugars. If you do drink alcohol, stay with clear hard alcohol, such as vodka. You can dilute it with water or sparkling water. If you drink it straight, have at least one glass of water every one-two shots.
2. Do not go to parties hungry. Have some low calorie, high fiber foods before you go. The high fiber foods take longer to digest.
3. Drink water during your meals. It will add to your body’s perceived level of fullness and you’ll want to stop sooner.
4. Eat slowly! Leptin, a hormone that tells your brain that you’re full, takes 20-30 minutes to kick in. No matter how much food you eat in the first 20 minutes of your meal, you may not feel full during that time. Eat slowly to give your body the time it needs to tell you how much food you need. You will be surprised at how little food it might take to feel full.
5. Train at least three times per week.
Happy Holidays!
