Halloween is over, which officially marks the beginning of the holiday season. And if your family is anything like mine, food is no joke. The holidays are not only the most stressful time of the year, but also the most joyous — both of which can cause weight gain. Throw in delicious, calorie-rich food, and you have a recipe (pun intended) for disaster.
But have no fear! I’ve put together a simple list that you can apply during the feasting season to help keep the holiday weight gain at bay!
Start a workout routine now.
Even if you don’t normally exercise, starting a routine now helps your body burn those extra calories. If working out really isn’t your thing, or you don’t have a gym membership, just taking a simple walk around the block can do your body good. BMB contributor Mallory recently wrote about the benefits of walking, and this is the perfect time to get moving.
Drink your water.
Sometimes our body can mistake being thirsty for being hungry. Make sure you’re getting in that H2O before reaching the buffet line. Drinking a glass of water before every meal will also help you cut back on extra calories by making you feel fuller sooner.
Eat slowly.
It takes, on average, 20 minutes for your body to recognize that it’s full. Make sure you’re eating as slowly as you can to give your body time to know it’s had enough (and to make sure you still have room for dessert!).
Adjust the recipe.
All of our family-favorite recipes can be easily changed to a healthier alternative. For example, olive oil can be substituted when a recipe calls for butter, and milk can be replaced with a plant based alternative. When baking, you can replace eggs with either unsweetened apple sauce or bananas. There are so many ways to make your favorite comfort foods healthier! Just explore the internet and see what works for your family!
Get the family involved.
Chances are, there are other people in your family who would like to support you or join you in your efforts. See if you can make it a family affair to have a more health-centered holiday season!
Final Thoughts . . .
The holidays are a time to be with family, celebrate the love you share, and enjoy yourself and your loved ones. If you still gain weight during the holidays, don’t fret! Holiday weight gain typically disappears on its own once the season has ended. It’s more important to live in the moment than to worry about what that extra slice of pie may do to your waistline.
Moms, what are some ways you stay focused on health during the holidays?
