Okay, on my last post I promised five ways to maintain your weight during this tricky, delicious, calorie-laden Christmas season. Believe me, I will be using these tips myself to keep Christmas weight gain at bay!
1. Do not go shopping when you are hungry. You know this one already, but it is more important to heed this advice since gingerbread men and lollipops will begin dancing around your head once you enter the grocery store.
2. Think damage control. If you have a Christmas party at night, plan to have a light lunch. If you had some cookies in the break room in the daytime, make sure you say no to dessert that evening. When the scale says you’ve been enjoying dessert a bit too often, cut back for a few days on sweets (and get back on that party train later when it’s safer…).
3. Be particular about your indulgences. Most of us have had the experience of eating something and then thinking, “That wasn’t worth the calories.” Just yesterday, James and I were on a rare double date. We split something chocolate called “The Triple Threat.” By the title, it seemed totally worth it. But the taste left me wishing we had ordered something else. I should’ve had one bite and then skipped the rest (instead of eating my half). Personally, I’m holding out for Trader Joes…(Peppermint O’s and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Sea Salt Caramel Truffles…mercy!).
4. Schedule an extra exercise session. Make a walking date with a friend. Visit the gym two or three extra times in December. On a day you normally don’t exercise, spend 20 minutes doing jumping jacks, lunges, squats, push ups, etc. Set the timer and get your family to join you.
5. Drink plenty of water. This is a great month to limit your trips to Starbucks or soda consumption. Find ways to cut calories in order to make room for the extra parties this season. Drink water with meals and in between meals to quench your thirst and tame your hunger.
What steps are you going to take to maintain your weight this Christmas? We’ll talk again on January 1st to see how we all do!
