The holidays are known for being a magical time full of friends, family, festivities, and of course, food. The problem is, all of this food often results in holiday weight gain that leaves you feeling less than your best.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! In today’s post, we’re going to cover our top tips for avoiding holiday weight gain this year and entering 2022 feeling like your very best self.
Let’s get started!
Stick to cheese plates when faced with a bunch of options
Yes—you read that right! It can actually be helpful to focus on picking cheese to fill up your plate over cakes, cookies, and other high-carb treats at holiday parties.
As Dom D’Agostino, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of South Florida and one of the world’s top experts on low-carb and ketogenic diets (ketonutrition.org) explains:
“Cheese platters are often the best hors d’oeuvre option at a holiday party. They sometimes offer a variety of nuts and meats as well. Eating low carb helps control your appetite because fats and proteins tend to be more satiating and typically don’t lend themselves to overeating.”
Swap out starchy carbs
Another strategic tip for avoiding holiday weight gain is swapping out starchy carbs with vegetables whenever you can. For example, choose spaghetti squash noodles over regular pasta during the week if you know you have a weekend of holiday parties (and eating) coming up. Another option is opting for cauliflower crust for pizza nights to keep your carb consumption lower.
Start with protein
Protein has a magical effect. In fact, it has a few. Not only is it one of the keys to building (and maintaining muscle) but it also serves other purposes. And that includes keeping you full for longer!
So, before you head off to a holiday part where you know you’ll be faced with all kinds of tasty temptations, be sure to load up on protein. Make a quick protein shake before you head out, and this can keep cravings and overindulgence at bay.
Drink wisely
Liquid calories count—as much as we might like to pretend they don’t. And unfortunately, they can add up quickly!
To avoid holiday weight gain from alcohol consumption, focus on choosing alcoholic beverages with fewer calories and sugar. (To learn more about why you should focus on reducing sugar in your diet, check out this post next) Dry red or white wines, for example, will have less sugar than rose. Hard liquor with a low-sugar mixer is also another good choice.
More Strategies for Limiting Holiday Weight Gain This Year
These strategies will have you off to a great start, but are you looking for more guidance and support? We’re here to help! Click here to learn more about Xtend Fitness and our online training and nutrition services. You can get a plan tailored to your specific needs, challenges, and goals to help you look and feel like your very best self.
