Sweets and Treats: Indulge and Avoid Weight Gain
By Virginia Laird
During the holidays it can be important to keep tabs on the calories consumed daily. With a menu of candied yams, pecan pie, and a variety of homemade treats it is easy to lose sight of health and weight loss goals. Healthcare professionals advise it is wise to devise a plan to help keep you on track and accountable for what is consumed. Some of the tips suggested to add to your plan include:
- Just say no to seconds
- Use a small plate
- Weigh yourself daily
- Don’t drink your calories
Just Say No to Seconds
It can be tempting to grab a few seconds after the first plate full of deliciousness, but it is not the best choice to make. Healthcare professionals suggest getting whatever you want to eat on your plate when you first load up and avoid heading back for more. More often than not, seconds are not about hunger, rather they are about satisfying the tastebuds just one more time. Keeping seconds off your plate can help control the calorie consumption and help prevent weight gain.
Use a Small Plate
Many fitness gurus suggest using a smaller plate during the holidays as a way to trick yourself into eating less. When at a holiday gathering, surrounded by delightful food, most fill their plate beyond what they will actually (or need to) eat. Using a smaller plate will not prevent you from loading your plate down, but a smaller plate holds less, thereby helping you to get less to begin with.
Weigh Yourself Daily
Weighing yourself daily can help keep you on track. Stepping on the scale frequently helps you to identify a pound or two when it shows up, while weighing sporadically can allow you to pack on more weight without you realizing it. It is far easier to add weight than it is to remove it.
Don’t Drink Your Calories
With beverages like warm apple cider, fresh eggnog, and homemade peppermint hot cocoa it can be tempting to sip on them all day. The sad truth is that these are calorie killers. The beverages, along with other holiday favorites, are filled with calories and loaded with sugar. This is a sure way to pack on the pounds. If these are something you crave, plan ahead and allow for these calories in your day while cutting back in another area. Keep in mind, there is plenty of time this holiday season to enjoy these fine drinks; there is no need to consume them daily.
It is time to put your holiday party plan in action and stick to it. Happy Holidays!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Asheville, N.C.