10 Tips to Limit Weight Gain During the Holidays

by Jill Kane

Sweets are the biggest culprit for weight gain during the holidays. It all lasts about two months, starting with leftover Halloween candy, followed by Thanksgiving pies and finishing with the never-ending special Christmas treats.

Here are some tips to help you through this difficult time:

1. Don’t deny yourself completely. This will only set you up for failure.

2. Be prepared to face many days of fatty, sugary temptations.

3. If you plan to eat desert, lighten up on the portion sizes of your meal.

4. When eating, sit down and focus on your food.

5. When you eat desert, choose your favorite so you are satisfied with just one.

6. Consider choosing either a low-carb or low-fat option. If you choose to cut carbs, avoid deserts with a lot of sugar and flour, like cakes and cookies. Instead, go for fattier treats, such as ice cream, mousse, cheesecake or fresh fruit with whipped cream. If you go with low fat, try angel food cake, fruitcake or macaroons.

7. Drink low or no calorie beverages, such as water, diet soda or coffee. This will help fill you up and slow down your eating.

8. Avoid alcohol and creamy drinks, which are loaded with fat and sugar.

9. Enjoy the desert you choose to eat.

10. Keep everything in moderation.

Happy Holidays!