It's the time of the year again where festive feasts and sweets mean extra calories. But celebrating Christmas does not mean that you have to readjust your belt buckles. Here are some few tips on how to avoid packing extra pounds while still enjoying the holiday season.
1. Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Today notes that a few extra drinks may lead to unconsciously gaining a few pounds. The moderate number of drinks per week for women is seven, and if that goes up, the amount of calories that go into the body increases. Excessive drinking results to more food consumption and bad sleep. So before sipping another glass of alcohol, it will be best to reserve those nights for special occasions.
2. What's your "conscious indulgence"?
Today notes that planning your "conscious indulgence" (food that just makes you happy regardless of its calories), is a great way to still keep you satisfied while watching your weight. Before indulging in an old family favorite, opt for a small serving to satisfy your palate without filling up your belly.
3. Check Your Pace
Greatist states that "the quicker we eat, the less time the body has to register fullness." By chewing your food thoroughly, it will be easier to digest while allowing you to savor each dish.
4. Use Smaller Plates
It doesn't take a genius to figure that out, but using a smaller plate makes you feel fuller without taking more food. A research from NCBI states that portion size has an effect on intake, so when people see a salad plate filled with food, they will feel fuller.
5. Freeze Leftovers
Getting easy access to leftovers in the fridge tempts you to take a bite. According to Today, by freezing your leftovers, it will be hard for you to access your food and keep yourself from gaining weight.
6. Morning Exercise
An hour of exercise every day will do you a long way during the holiday season. Live Science notes, citing a research from Brigham Young University, that working out in the morning reduces appetite during the whole day.
7. Say No
During the holidays, relatives will always offer you more food. Greatist says that it’s okay to politely decline the offer. When you know that you have reached your limit, sometimes, declining is a better option.
8. Minimize Simple Carbs
Minimizing your intake of simple carbs such as white bread and refined sugars helps a lot in not gaining weight. Simple carbs break down faster, which turns up your insulin level, making you hungrier faster.
9. TV Off
A research from NCBI says that TV is one of the mediators that cause overeating and unhealthy food choices. Commercials of junk food also influence your desire to eat unhealthy.
10. Drink Water
Whether it's the holidays or you just want to watch your weight, drinking water is always a simple way to make you feel full even before consuming your meal. Instead of alcohol or soda, opt for a glass water. It does not only make you feel full, but it will also clean your body.
