The holiday season & weight gain are two things that can go hand in hand. Whether it’s a crazy holiday schedule that is keeping you from the gym or holiday stress that is causing you to over eat or holiday parties packed with tempting treats, it can be difficult to avoid gaining weight this time of year.
OCSC wants to help! Here are a few tips to keep off those holiday pounds:
- Balance healthy eating with holiday indulgence!
Don’t avoid splurging on some holiday cheer in order to avoid gaining weight! If you try to avoid treats all together you could end up binging at a later date. Instead, try to find a healthy balance. If you know you are going to a holiday party on a Friday, cut back on sweets and other high calorie items for the rest of the week. Then once it is party time, go ahead & have some fun.
- Eat before you head out!
By eating a snack before a celebration, you can choose a healthy item to eat that will begin to fill you up so that you don’t over indulge at the party.
- Maintain your sleep schedule.
It is a stressful time of the year indeed but staying up late in order to pack everything in is not a good idea. A healthy body needs a healthy mind to help you function. Try to avoid throwing your sleep schedule off balance during the holiday season.
- Watch what you drink
Always remember, drinks can be just as much of a culprit of holiday weight gain as desserts. Try to avoid sugary drinks and remember that alcohol is filled with empty calories, so limit your consumption. Be sure you include plenty of water in your daily liquid intake.
- Slow down while eating
It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to register as full, so slow down while eating your meals. You may eat less than you think you need if you take your time while eating!
- Don’t skip meals
The holiday season can make everyone have a busier than normal schedule. However, try to avoid skipping meals. Contrary to what you may think, this can actually slow down your metabolism and make your body store excess fat. Plus, skipping meals can make you feel hungrier, and actually cause you to overeat.
- Stay active!
You may be too busy to hit the gym, but there are plenty of other ways to stay active during the holiday season. When you go shopping, choose the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Or park farther from the store and walk to the entrance. When the snow falls, (if it ever falls this year) go outside and shovel; you can burn up to 225 calories in 30 minutes!
- Incorporate a fitness routine
Make sure to stay consistent with your fitness routine throughout the holiday season. If you haven’t started one yet, now may be the perfect time! Don’t wait until January 1st to make a resolution to get fit. Get started today!
- Enlist a buddy to help!
If you lack will power to stick to a workout routine or healthy eating plan, you are not alone. Many people find this to be the hardest part of getting fit. The good news is that enlisting a friend to come along side you can make a big difference. In fact, according to a Samford University study, couples who work out together have a dropout rate of only 6.3%! This is compared to a 43% dropout rate for those who work out separately. So find a buddy and get them to make a pact to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the holiday season!
OCSC wants to help you accomplish your fitness goals! Through the end of the year we are offering BOGO ½ off! Buy one membership, get one membership ½ off. So find a buddy, bring them in and get fit together!
