Five Ways to Outweigh Holiday Weight Gain

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I have three holiday parties between Friday and Saturday this weekend. I am blessed with good friends and co-workers and am delighted to attend. But I also need to go into the weekend with a game plan to avoid temptation. It is easy to fall into this temptation trap. I can hear it now--cookies, pies, cakes, hors d'oeuvres and chocolate all calling our name.

The trouble with holiday weight gain is that most people do not take off those extra pounds after the holiday and they accumulate year after year. In fact, the National Institutes of Health say that holiday weight gain plays a significant role in the adult obesity epidemic.

With all of this in mind, here are some tips that may help this holiday season:

1. Eat Before You Go
My plan before I head out for the evening is to have a chocolate protein shake. I obviously love chocolate, so therefore I will get it in a much healthier, nutritious form instead of consuming empty, sugary calories.

2. Mingle, Meet and Greet
Make sure you make it a point to get to know new people. Say hello, make eye contact, and smile. You will feel great talking to others and more energized. You will not focus on the food, but the people. Reconnect with old friends and make future plans to look forward to, so you’re not bullying your way to the buffet.

3. Get all Gussied Up
Put on your favorite “skinny” outfit, you know the one that make you feel fabulous. This will help you maintain self-control. You will be less apt to eat something that will steer you off track and come January searching for a clothes in a larger size. Don’t forget your favorite lipstick. You won’t want to ruin it with eating too many pigs in the blanket.

4. Veg Out
Grab a smaller buffet plate and fill it with lots of veggies and fruits. If it is a potluck, bring the fruits and veggies, so you know there is something for you to graze on throughout the evening. You’ll notice others will follow your lead and opt for healthier choices as well.

5. Buddy Up
Make a pact with a fellow party going friend to make you accountable for your choices. If they cannot attend that particular festivity check in with them afterwards to recount your festive evening. This will hold you both accountable. It is even better if your friend is a workout buddy as well!

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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