Christmas can be a difficult time of year for dieters. As your calendar fills with parties to attend, you may feel like giving up on your fitness goals. A better solution is to learn avoid temptation and keep your overall fitness in focus. You can enjoy Christmas treats without overeating and stay active with festive workouts. Using proven diet tips and strategies, you will get through the holidays successfully without extra pounds.
Be Active
Don't neglect your exercise routine at Christmas. Many activities can make your workout festive. Go on a long walk in the evening to see the Christmas lights in your neighborhood. Take advantage of seasonal ice-skating rinks that many cities open during December. Turn on some upbeat Christmas music during your aerobic workout. The overall goal is to keep your body active and burning energy to compensate for the extra calories that may be consumed. If you can, add one extra workout a week, to combat the extra holiday treats you may eat.
Drinks
Drink at least eight glasses of water to keep your body hydrated and feeling fuller. At parties and social events, stay away from traditional holiday drinks like eggnog or sugary cocktails. Alcoholic drinks contain empty calories and may increase your appetite. Sparkling water with citrus is the best beverage choice. If you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, choose a full-bodied glass of wine or a light beer. Both contain fewer calories than most other alcohol.
Just a Taste
During the holidays, others will offer you cookies, cakes or fat-laden appetizers. Rather than offend your hostess, simply enjoy a bite or two and set the rest down or split a dessert with a friend. At buffets or dinners with high-calorie selections, take a spoonful instead of a full serving. This method of "tasting" allows you to enjoy the flavor without consuming hundreds of extra calories.
Eat Right
You don't have to avoid parties, extravagant meals and family gatherings at Christmas. Combat overeating by preparing. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Eat a salad or a bowl of broth-based vegetable soup about an hour or so before the festivities. This will curb your appetite, giving you better self-control when faced with high-calorie food choices. Look for the healthiest food being served at events and make it the bulk of your meal.
Regift
You may be inundated by gifts of cookies, candy and special treats from well-meaning friends and neighbors. Avoid temptation by re-gifting the goodies. If they are already wrapped, bring them to a party as a hostess gift, or drop them off at a nursing home or homeless shelter. Or set them out for family gatherings or when friends drop by to visit.
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