‘Tis the season to be merry and…overeat?!?! With turkey and trimmings, yams with marshmallows, Christmas cookies, eggnog, and other calorie chart toppers, having these holiday goodies within our reach practically every day makes it is difficult not to overindulge.
Even people who are usually disciplined about their food intake tend to go overboard around the holidays. Americans typically gain between three and five pounds (and sometimes more) during this period, says Beaufort personal trainers. With all the parties and family gatherings, it is easy to forget sensible eating habits. And the sad thing is, the weight you put on in these few weeks will stay with you long after the festivities are over.
Fortunately, there are ways to maintain your weight during the holidays while still enjoying an occasional splurge. The key is good planning:
– Avoid the “ugly foods” that are bad for you and your weight. Stay away from fast foods and anything that’s deep-fried, greasy, full of sugar, or heavily processed. These foods are fattening and unhealthy. That’s a good advice from Beaufort personal trainers to follow any day of the year, not just during the holiday season.
– Before parties eat a healthy meal or a snack that includes a lean protein. Since protein takes longer to digest, it will help you feel full for much longer so you don’t start grabbing everything off the buffet table – most of which is probably calorie-laden. Think about adding in some fiber as well.
– Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day because it suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. If you participate in a Beaufort fitness program, drink at least 10 cups. And keep in mind that we are talking about water, not soda, diet drinks, or alcohol.
– Practice portion control. Sure, you can enjoy turkey, ham, or whatever is on the holiday menu. You can probably have a slice of pie too ever so often. However, use common sense and good judgment in how much you put on your plate and – no second servings! Most people are satisfied with just one serving, so if you don’t feel hungry, resist the urge to eat more than you need to.
– Work out! That’s an extremely important point because exercise or Beaufort fitness programs will not only help you burn any extra calories, but also keep you healthy and fit. Even people who exercise regularly tend to be less active during the holidays, but try to stay motivated and don’t lose sight of your goals with your Beaufort personal trainer if you have one. What kind of Beaufort fitness routine should you choose? Strength or resistance training and aerobic exercise will help burn off extra calories, which is an important factor in Beaufort weight loss and weight management. Resistance training will increase the lean muscle mass and increase your metabolism. Combining all these exercises into a program given by your Beaufort personal trainer will provide a very effective workout which burns fat and keeps you on track.