How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

It’s that time of year again. The slow and steady decline into crappy eating habits, overdoing it on the holiday cheer, and the inevitable extra poundage that settles in around our waistline. Then what happens? We resolve to “get back on track” come January 1^st hitting the gym and starving ourselves, right?

On average, Americans gain about one pound of body weight per year during the holidays, not the 5-10 pounds that some sources claim (and can’t back up). This is where the good news ends (buzz kill alert!). Unfortunately, most individuals don’t lose that weight in the post gorge-fest period, also known as the New Year, so one pound here and one pound there compounds to 10 pounds over the course of a decade, resulting in the “inevitable” fate of aging weight gain (another myth – read more about that here).

If you don’t want to succumb to the fate of the aforementioned “Average American”, there are things you can do without feeling deprived or that you’re missing out on some serious awesomeness.

Here are my top tips to survive the holiday season, have fun, and still fit into your skinny jeans come January: 1^st:

1. Eat ahead of time

If you know the party will be serving food that will kill your healthy eating goals, eat a nutritious snack before you go so you don’t arrive famished. This will allow you to display some super self-control and enjoy conversation with the guests, rather than foraging for your next meal. Some pre-party ideas include: an apple with almond butter, a hard boiled egg, a smoothie, a light salad, or fruit. This strategy also goes for the mall. The food courts are the last place you want to get your nourishment. Eat ahead or pack some healthy snacks to keep you fueled while you exhibit even more self control with that credit card. Right? Right.

2. Smart snacking

The hor d’ourves table at holiday parties are a cruel trap, especially if you go there on an empty stomach. If you do not following the advice in tip #1, and arrive ravenous, skip the taquitos and look for: shrimp cocktail, raw veggies and hummus, deviled eggs (good source of protein, but only one since they likely contain mayo), mixed nuts, bruschetta (the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and basil are an antioxidant power house), smoked salmon (rich in brain-boosting omega-3s), salsa and guacamole (a rich source of healthy fats), chicken kabobs (usually grilled), fruit, or cheese.

3. Pass the red

Instead of mega-calorie and sugar infused mixed drinks, or worse, egg nog (unless it’s this healthier egg nog version), opt for a glass of red wine. You’ll sip slower and get your dose of polyphenols, which has been linked to healthy hearts. If you’re not a red person, opt for a refreshing white wine spritzer or a glass of bubbly. Even better, skip the booze altogether and enjoy a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lime. You may look like a rock star, downing a G & T, but you’re not. Your secret is safe with me.

4. Indulge a little

I like to indulge as much as the next gal (I am human), but the way I feel shortly after – or the next day – always has me second guessing that decision. Rather than completely depriving yourself of the holiday “goodies” that you may look forward to, set a limit on how much, when, and what your indulgence de jour will be. For example, dessert. If that’s your Achilles heel, allow one dessert item at a party, savor it slowly, and then move on. If you’re super popular and hitting multiple parties during the week, set a limit to how many desserts you’ll allow yourself (i.e., 1-2 per week), and pat yourself on the back for sticking to your guns.

5. B.Y.O.F. (Bring your own food)

If you’re going to a party or potluck, this is a prime opportunity to inject a bit of health into the menu. Plus, if the rest of the menu is a complete food bomb, rest-assured you can eat your contribution and feel good about it. Need some ideas?

Starters & Sides

Healthy Desserts

6. Keep MOVING

The holidays are a notorious time for being super busy and stressed, but not exercising during this time is counterproductive. Why? You don’t get to burn off the stress of your in-laws staying with you for 3 weeks and you don’t get your heart pumping and calorie burn on (which leads to more weight gain). Don’t have time? Spare the excuses and break out your routine into 10 or 15 minute spurts throughout the day or do some high intensity interval training (HIIT) to get your workout over within 20 – 30 minutes. I’ve got a sample 30 minute HIIT routine, designed for the busy mama. It will have you blasting more fat than if you were to spend an hour on the treadmill. Yes, really.

Now it’s time to TAKE ACTION!

Make this your year to steer clear of the holiday bulge so January 1^st is merely a page turn of the calendar, not another resolution that may or may not stick. If it’s the latter, I’ve got you covered. The Superwoman Slim Down is a 4-week, multi-media online program with full support that helps you create balance and energy in your life so you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, without blowing up or falling off the wagon (translation = during the holiday eating season extravaganza).

During this program, I will give you a step-by-step formula to:

Overcome cravings
Kick start your metabolism and stop dieting for life
Speed up weight loss safely and naturally
Boost your energy and productivity by 100%
Uncover hidden food allergies and sensitivities you never knew you had and show you what you can do about

But wait, there’s MORE! Because I’m a sucker for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, I’m offering The Superwoman Slim Down at a MASSIVE discount (50% off) for 4 days only this November. Starting on Friday, 11/27/15 through Sunday, 11/29/15 at 11:59 pm EST, grab your spot for 50% off (a $200 savings). Once the holiday weekend is over, so is this deal!

Plus, for the first 10 people that say YES to this incredible deal, I’m going to PERSONALLY mail you a welcome package valued at $25 with goodies you’ll LOVE to support your reboot experience! Quantities are LIMITED on these welcome packages, once they’re gone, they’re gone.

How’s that for holiday spirit?

What are your strategies to beat the holiday bulge? Or do you just roll with it and start clean in the New Year? I’d LOVE to hear! Please leave a comment below.

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