5 Unique Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight Over the Holidays

The holidays are a time of fun and festivities for everyone. However, many people also experience the worry of the dreaded "holiday weight gain." The good news is, you can still enjoy the holiday season and avoid the unwanted pounds. Here are some unique, yet effective, ways to do so.

1. Eat Before Heading Out

If you are planning on going to a party, you shouldn't save up all your calories for that event. While weight gain is fundamentally based on the number of calories in versus out, if you go to a party hungry, your judgment isn't going to be very good.

As a result, you are going to eat much more than you should, or even want to. You don't have to have an entire meal, but consider grabbing a handful of nuts, or an apple. You can also be the person who shows up with a healthier dish to share, such as red pepper nachos or homemade hummus and veggies.

2. Drink Seltzer Water

When you are watching your weight, you know you need to drink plenty of water. However, did you know that seltzer water can make you feel fuller? The fizz and bubbles will help you feel full and satisfied, which means you won't eat as much.

3. Request Fitness-Related Gifts

Rather than asking for a nice pair of boots or new watch, why not ask for gifts that can support your health and fitness goals. There are more than a few fitness gifts and gadgets out there today, so your loved ones will have several things to choose from. After all, where the mind goes, the body will follow.

4. Make Changes to Your Day

Deprivation will fuel desire. Rather than dwelling on the holiday treats that you should avoid, make a few changes. This means you can make small changes to your choices. For example, just have one cookie, rather than three. Also, make sure you plan a healthy and filling lunch each day, so you won't be tempted to grab a handful of treats from the breakroom. You can eat some things without breaking your diet, but you need to make small changes.

5. Indulge from Time to Time

The holidays only come around once a year. That means that you can indulge in the delicious looking drinks at Starbucks or a cookie from the shop in the mall. The key is to avoid overdoing it.

If you want to avoid weight gain this holiday season, then using the tips here will be a huge help, but remember to enjoy yourself as well - don't beat yourself up for indulging a bit, moderation is the key. Happy Holidays!!

Melissa Pranzo is the Founder of SwingFitt™ and Swing4All.org. She is a licensed RMT trainer, a life-long elite athlete, and lover of life and sports. Melissa and her son, Cooper, live in Tampa where SwingFitt™ and Swing4All.org are based.

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