If you enjoy decadent vegan pies, moist cakes, and mouthwatering cookies, then this article is for you. If not, then go enjoy a kale shake you health freak.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a pretty healthy guy. I work out 5 to 6 days a week and I eat mostly healthy, minimally-processed plant foods. Health and fitness are my LIFE, yet I still tend to fall off the wagon with my training and diet over the holidays.
Pies. Cakes. Cookies. Gingerbread. The struggle is REAL.
To help you enjoy the food and festivities without regret, I’m going to share my top 5 simple tips to avoid gaining weight during the holidays.
But before we jump into these tips, I want to make something clear…There is nothing wrong with indulging and enjoying the spirit of the holidays. In fact, I encourage you to indulge (a bit).
‘Tis the season! 🙂
We just don’t want to go overboard, so let’s learn how to avoid over-indulging during the holidays.
Tip #1: Fitness before festivities
If you plan to stuff your face with sugar cookies and vegan eggnog later, what’s the point of even working out??
While it doesn’t make sense, people tend to justify poor judgment with further poor judgment. If you let your exercise program fall by the wayside during the month of December, then you’re far more likely to let your diet slip up too.
Now I know it’s easy to get overwhelmed and busy during the holidays. There are holiday work parties, family gatherings, and plenty of other holiday festivities. Plus, you’re decorating your house, preparing for the in-laws to arrive, and shoveling snow.
I know it can be hard enough to work out in perfect conditions, let alone during the holidays, but that’s no excuse.
On days that you know you are going to a holiday party or meal, I suggest you work out earlier in the day before the event. It’s much easier to eat in moderation if you are already feeling healthy that day. Exercise helps control your appetite and reminds you of your commitment to health and fitness.
Tip #2: Never “save up” calories for a meal by not eating
Never, never, never “save up” calories before heading to a holiday meal or party.
Doing so will inevitably backfire. If you go to a party hungry, you are far more likely to overdo it and stuff your face.
I highly recommend that you eat a healthy snack before going out to holiday gatherings (or bring one with you!).
A healthy snack full of protein and fiber will keep your hunger at bay and cause you to more carefully choose the party foods you eat.
My favorite snacks are fruit, nuts, and protein smoothies. My favorite super simple vegan protein smoothie is 1 scoop of Vega Sport protein, 1 frozen banana, 1 ripe banana, and 1-2 cups of unsweetened soy milk or almond milk.
Tip #3: Fill up most of your plate with healthy, nutritious food
Healthy snacking before a gathering is great, but once you are at the gathering, there’s something else you should also do.
I recommend that you fill up on the healthier options at the dinner table before anything else. so you can indulge in some delicious treats and actually remember it.
On a similar note, start off with small portions. Don’t load up your plate. You can go back for seconds if you’re still hungry, but be sure to let the satiety signals from your stomach catch up with your mouth.
Tip #4: Stay hydrated (with water!)
Beyond filling up on healthy foods, you should drink plenty of water to keep your fat in check.
To make sure you are staying hydrated, you should drink about half your body weight in water. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should drink about 90 ounces of water.
Beyond helping with maintaining (or even losing) your weight, water also keeps your skin clear, improves concentration, and boosts energy.
Quadruple win.
But be sure to stick with water. It’s very easy to drink tons of calories from alcoholic beverages and other holiday drinks.
Tip #5: Indulge (a little) and enjoy it!
In an otherwise healthy diet, eating holiday goodies in moderation won’t set you back much (if at all). So go ahead and enjoy one or two of your favorite treats in reasonable portions.
Just remember that these are once-in-a-while foods and drinks, not everyday ones.
Savor every bite or sip. Truly enjoy the experience among family and friends. Take time to acknowledge how much you enjoyed something that makes you feel good and appreciative – not guilty or like you need to have more.
That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading this article!
If this article was helpful to you, please consider sharing it. If you have any questions about staying on track during the holidays, please leave a comment below.
I’d love to help!