What is the best way to lose weight before Christmas?
Some people might say that trying to lose weight during the Christmas season is crazy, but it's definitely not impossible if you just use some common sense strategies.
Below is a collection of the "best of the best" Christmas weight loss tips:
1 - Always eat breakfast
If you don't eat all day and then attend a party or dinner, you're much more likely to go overboard on calories by trying to eat everything in sight. Instead, start each day with a healthy, low-calorie breakfast. A small bowl of oatmeal with a portion of fruit and low-fat milk or half a whole grain bagel with an egg and a side of fruit is a great option. Think of two things to keep you satisfied longer: protein and fiber.
2 - Fill with fiber
Fiber plays a big role in keeping your digestive system working efficiently and can also help you avoid big spikes in your blood glucose levels. When attending Christmas dinners and parties, focus on vegetables and whole grains before eating simple carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, potatoes). The fiber content will help reduce the impact on blood sugar levels and help you better control hunger. Add some lean protein to your high-fiber foods and you have a winning combination that can help you easily keep your eating under control.
3 - Cover with alcohol
Make a commitment to drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you drink at the party. This will help you avoid binge drinking, consuming too many liquid calories, and dealing with a dehydrating hangover the next day.
4 - No pulling out
Always remember that the holidays don't come with permission to hog and eat massive amounts of food. It's okay to indulge in a few treats during the season, but make a promise to yourself that you'll stick to it.
5 - Big eyes, small stomach
Avoid making a model of Mt. Everest with food on a plate. More often than not, your eyes are much bigger than your stomach and eating a plate of rich food will make you miserable later. Instead, only eat half of what you think you will be able to eat. Or just take one small teaspoon of each food you want to try.
6 - Skip the second helping
Whether you're eating at home, at a restaurant, or at a party, make a commitment to never go back for seconds. People rarely take second helpings because they are still hungry. More often than not, it's because the food tastes so good that they don't want to stop eating just yet. Needless to say, this practice is a good way to take in far more calories than you actually need.
7 - Indulge
Don't try to be "perfect" with your eating habits during the holidays - it always backfires and leads to a binge! Instead, try to do your best by eating healthy, but also treat yourself to a few treats every now and then. One small piece of pie won't destroy your weight loss goals. Be responsible for your choices, but also don't expect to avoid all the goodies.