How to avoid gaining weight over the holidays

- 3 January 2017 -

food sweets drinking calories holiday weight

This time of year, we aren't just surrounded by the holiday spirit, but also by lots of food, desserts and drinks, which we usually consume in large quantities, often resulting in an increase in our body weight. Let's take a look at how we can avoid gaining those extra pounds:

Even as little as 20 minutes of exercise a day is better than nothing. If you don't have much free time, try to make simple changes that will add more activity to your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking somewhere instead of driving, if the travel distance is quite short.

When you've been invited out for a meal, eat a small snack beforehand, like an apple and some low fat cheese, to avoid overeating later on.

Watch what you eat. We often overeat when we are eating with friends. Avoid constant snacking, and prepare a dish with lots of vegetables and a normal portion of meat for a healthy meal.

Opt for dishes that we only consume during the holidays, such as a nice, homemade meal, and avoid the usual junk food, like chips, nuts, bread, rice, etc. If the food you are eating isn't as tasty as it looks, don't just eat it because it's in front of you.

Tip: At a buffet, choose the foods you really want to eat rather than filling your plate with everything. Fill your plate once, and don't hang around next to the buffet.