How to Stay Slim During the Holiday Season
We look forward to the holiday season all year long. Decorations, bright lights, get-togethers, and picking out the perfect gifts for family and friends bring a warmth and glow that we don’t experience at any other time.
Unfortunately, the holidays are often a period when we overindulge on the foods we love. Some delicacies only come around once a year, and we want to get our fill of these holiday specialties while we can. This decadence leads to unwanted pounds and inches that we must struggle to work off when January rolls around. How can you avoid falling into that cycle and stay slim and trim during this holiday season?
1. Don’t Snack Thoughtlessly
During the holidays, sweet treats like cookies and brownies may be plentiful. People bake and give these desserts as gifts, and put them out at parties. If you find yourself reaching for snacks because food is readily available, and not because you’re hungry, take a step back and use self-discipline. If you get hungry between meals, choose whole foods like nuts or fresh fruits and vegetables. These are high in fiber to keep you full, and don’t have any preservatives or unnatural ingredients.
2. Eat More Slowly
People often approach large meals like Thanksgiving dinner with the goal of eating as much as possible. They pile their plates high with caloric casseroles and carb-heavy mashed potatoes, and go back for seconds – and even thirds. Instead of treating these holiday meals like an eating contest, try to chew slowly and thoroughly. Put your fork down between each bite. Before you start eating, take a few deep breaths and drink a full glass of water. These tactics will help you consume fewer calories and bring a more mindful approach to eating.
3. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Even if you might not normally eat desserts the rest of the year, sugary goodies like gingerbread cookies and pumpkin and pecan pie are holiday traditions. This year, instead of sampling the entire dessert tray, take a small portion of your favorite and savor it. Bring your full attention to the experience of eating, instead of consuming empty calories merely because they’re in ample supply.
4. Stay Active
The holidays are a time to shine, but they can also be stressful. The hustle and bustle of extra cooking, cleaning, hosting large gatherings, and shopping for gifts can leave you feeling drained and wondering where all your time went. Amid all this rush, your normal workout routine may be one of the first things to fall by the wayside. If you usually exercise outside, the colder temperatures and shorter days might also make it more challenging for you to find time to focus on your fitness routine. Work off those high-calorie holiday meals with regular exercise. If you’re having trouble finding time for a longer fitness routine, try a technique called “exercise snacking” – peppering in short bursts of activity throughout the day.
Trim Down at Aria Dermatology and Aesthetic Center
If you follow this advice and still find yourself bothered by trouble spots like a double chin, muffin top, love handles, or flabby upper arms, Aria Dermatology and Aesthetic center has the solution. We offer various minimally invasive body contouring procedures to help you get the slim, toned physique you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to get started!