You know the drill, the holidays come up and you begin to receive more social invites than you’ve seen in the last year.
Your anxiety level starts creeping up because This Is the Year.
The Year for What? It’s “The Year You’re Not Going to Gain Weight During the Holiday”s.
I know this because I heard you tell your BFF over lunch yesterday as I was standing behind you in line at the bagel shop.
She (your BFF) has got your back, she wants to help you lose that weight.
She’s always there when you need her (albeit with a mocha and muffin), but you’re wondering if that advice she shares about weight loss from her fashion magazine is really helpful.
Let me shed some light on the secret to holiday weight loss.
In the season of pastries, candy canes, toffee, red and green M&M’s, monkey bread and your moms soft sugar cookies, there are many opportunities to nosh without giving it a second of thought.
You pass the goodie tray on your way into the office and have to walk by it every time you walk to the water cooler. The conversation in your head sounds something like this: “No, Sarah, not today. Just pretend they’re not there. I know, they are looking right at me-is it Monday? Ughh, they always serve my favorite gingerbread from the coffee shop downstairs on Mondays. Keep walking, just keep walking.”
The problem is we avoid the goodies (at first), skip meals thinking it does a body good, then can’t resist once late evening hits and it’s all over with.
Bring on the guilt, bring on the bloat and bring on the long drawn out phone call to said BFF the next morning with a brand new resolution that This Year is the Year.
Here are 3 tips for the Secret to Holiday Weight Loss:
1. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, forget to eat or skip breakfast.
Breakfast sets you up with a metabolism boost for the day, breaking the fast from the night before and has you burning fat for the day instead of your own muscle mass.
You will need to focus on healthy fats and protein, such as eggs, sweet potatoes and sausage. Berries, cream and granola (watch the sugar here) are also a good choice. While you’re at it, grab a quick and healthy snack for mid morning before you head out the door.
2. Carry a water bottle with you EVERYWHERE.
Make a point of keeping it empty, meaning you are constantly drinking this water and flushing it through your body. We all carry 3-5 pounds of water weight, so get over the (what will feel like) constant trips to the bathroom for the first few days until your body adjusts. Drinking at least half your weight in ounces per day helps to keep your skin glowing, your belly more full than empty and your need for unnecessary munching to a minimum.
3. Become friends with vegetables.
Really, they are tasty-it’s hard to get that if you’re eating too many sweets along with processed and refined foods. The crunch of veggies will satisfy the need for munching, it will fill you up and give you more energy. If you need to add a dip to enjoy those veggies with, hummus is a great choice. It is smooth, creamy and also tasty with apples and pears. Use this as your go-to for a mid morning and mid afternoon snack or to nibble on during the drive home from work. Adding more vegetables to your diet will decrease your appetite for the sweet things, which is a habit we are all looking to have.
What’s your secret to healthy holiday weight loss? (or sustaining?)
Photo Credit Source
Nichi
Gluten-Free Nut Butter Blossom Cookies