Don’t Stress Over Added Pounds This Holiday Season

Last week I was asked to write a short article for the hospital I am interning at. Here is a copy...

The holidays are a lot of fun and usually filled with a lot of food! Many people overindulge this time a year and then try to lose the weight when the New Year comes. How about getting ahead of the game this year and not gaining the extra weight to begin with? Here are 3 easy tips to keep in mind this holiday season to avoid putting on that added weight: 

Cook Carefully-

• Steam vegetables instead of cooking them in fat.

• Replace some of the oil in baked goods with mashed banana or pumpkin. This will save calories and add nice flavor/ texture.

• If you will be tempted by leftovers, avoid cooking too much extra food.

Munch Mindfully-

• Don’t skip breakfast to save calories; this will cause you to overeat at the holiday meal.

• Put your utensil down in-between bites, enjoy the conversation of company.

• Listen to your body and stop eating when you are full.

Move More-

• Begin an exercise routine or keep up with your current one, don’t wait until New Years!

• Having company over? Meet up together for a walk before.

• Take a walk with your family and friends after eating a holiday meal; this is a great way to help digest and to get everyone involved.