Body By Bill, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Surviving Holiday Weight Gain

The good news is that the average person does not gain as much weight during the holidays as commonly believed. The bad news… research shows that the average man and woman does gain about half pound during a holiday season. So, the ugly truth is that most people fail to lose that half pound after the holidays and that weight accumulates year after year.

Going into the holiday season, don't set yourself up for disappointment and set up an unrealistic weight loss plan. Maintaining your current weight should be your goal throughout the Holiday season.

MAKE MAINTAIN THE WORD OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

WORKOUT FIRST THING in the morning and get it out of the way before you get distracted.

When shopping for gifts, PARK AWAY from outlets, shops and mall entrances …AND WALK!

Instead of playing boardor video games at family events, ORGANIZE A GROUP ACTIVITY to burn offcalories.

TRAVELINGFOR THE HOLIDAYS?

Book a HOTEL WITH A GYM

GOOGLE  “GYMS IN THE AREA” and make arrangements for a day pass.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY HOSTING

Host(ess), consider putting HEALTHY FINGER FOODS like raw unsalted nuts, fruits and other tasty morsels on the menu as alternatives to heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Research shows that SIZE MATTERS. People will serve themselves less from smaller bowls and platters.

Offer WATER, diet drinks and interesting low-calorie mixers at the bar.

GUESTS: BEFORE THE PARTY

Pre-eat. Enjoy your favorite HIGH PROTEIN SNACK and a large glass of water before you leave for the party.

Prepare a LOW CALORIE VERSION of your favorite holiday treat to take to the Party.

AT THE BUFFET

ASSESS the entire offering, and then decide.

BE CONSCIOUS of portion sizes.

AVOID creamy, fried or sugary temptations.

DON’T STAND while you eat.

Finally, BE PICKY, if you don’t love it, DON’T EAT IT.

FROM THE BAR

Remember, all ALCOHOL CONVERTS TO FAT, automatically – so, teetotal and save the calories.

Help cut cocktail calories,by using CLUB SODA or diet beverages as mixers.

Learn to have a GLASS OF WATER between your drinks.

Don’t drink and volunteer to BE A DESIGNATED DRIVER for other guests.

PARTY POLITICS

PRACTICE your response for not overindulging, "Thank you, I had plenty. Everything was fabulous!” or “If I eat anything else, I’ll never fit down the chimneys-oops.”

Be a hero and BURN OFF EXTRA CALORIES by helping out your host.

And DON’T PREACH to your friends about the calorie counts of the items on the buffet.