Avoiding putting on pounds during the holidays is especially challenging because of the different foods that are brought into our homes and that may linger around because of the celebrations.
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Maybe you never purchase soda or chips, but because of the festivities you stocked up and now they are “calling your name” as they sit there in the pantry.
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Maybe you had extra pies left over from Thanksgiving dinner and now find yourself having a slice every day.
These extra calories were not part of your regular routine, so they WILL result in extra pounds if you allow yourself to overindulge and not take action.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The easiest thing is to get moving. Do whatever you can to move your body MORE – I MEAN A LOT MORE!!!
Over the next few weeks people will be offering delicious treats that you will not want to resist – and you shouldn’t have to.
- However, you do need to practice some control by watching portion sizes.
- You also need to make sure you are getting plenty of vegetables at your regular meals and that you choose water as your beverage (no extra calories).
- Additionally, avoid snacking on the leftover holiday food or desserts; instead, reach for a healthy snack that will actually sustain your hunger.
So remember, avoid the extra high-calorie foods whenever possible and during the least tempting times; and, most importantly, increase your current level of physical activity.
Enjoy the Holidays!
Natalie
About
Natalie Castro-Romero, M.S., R.D., LDN
Natalie Castro-Romero is the Chief Wellness Dietitian for corporate wellness at Baptist Health South Florida [1].She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Florida International University. She completed her master’s degree in nutrition and exercise science at the State University of New York, University at Buffalo. Ms. Romero is certified in adult weight management and works passionately to improve the health of both adults and children. Her clinical experience includes working with patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders and critically ill patients in intensive care. In addition, she has conducted research on eating behaviors and pediatric obesity. Her research has been published in several peer-reviewed medical journals.