Just when you start seeing results for your weight control results, boom! – It’s another holiday with plenty of feasting. From holiday gatherings to banquets and office parties, and all the festive cooking in between, for most, it is nearly impossible to not register a 5-pound weight gain.
Now that the 4th of July is over, that is one more holiday behind you. Summer is officially here, and there is no better time to restart. No matter how hard you think you exercise, or how much you watch your portions, there is always room to improve. A few adjustments and extra activities will help you beat the holiday weight gain. Here are some of Dr. Golshani’s personal suggestions:
1. Make every moment count
Instead of remaining seated at a party all night as you overindulge in food and drinks, consider getting up and moving by dancing the night away. Being active will not only break the ice at the party, but also burn some calories.
Also, consider engaging in some general cleaning after the holidays. Sweeping, scrubbing, mopping, and other house chores will help you burn the calories you took in and you’ll feel good about yourself.
2. Counterbalance
You should know your pre-holiday and post-holiday tendencies. For instance, if you eat a fairly heavy diet and exercise 3x a week, consider that the threshold for the holiday season as well. This basically means that you can enjoy yourself as much as you’d like, but you must counterbalance the extra caloric intake with an extra workout for the week.
For example, if you attend two dinner parties the same week, you should add the equivalent of two workouts to your weekly workout routine.
Dr. Golshani offers a personalized, comprehensive weight loss program in Beverly Hills.
3. Slow down the way you eat
Aim to chew your food a little more before swallowing. This way, you can take in the tastes, textures, and scents in the food, making your experience more satisfying.
At the same time, you will have the time to contemplate what you are eating, including the amount of carbohydrates and calories in your food, which will keep you from overindulging.
4. Choose protein
Fill your plate with more protein than carbohydrates and fats. Proteins are associated with greater satiety (feeling full faster), which can help to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you are selecting lean protein sources such as poultry, fish (i.e. salmon and cod), beans, and nuts.
Besides watching what you eat, you should also watch your liquid calorie intake. Far often people subconsciously cast liquids as non-caloric. One beer can have as much as 100 calories or more. Too much caffeine or alcohol can not only increase your calorie intake, but also dramatically interfere with your sleep patterns.
5. Find an accountability buddy
If chances are that you won’t be able to control yourself, it is better to get someone to look over your shoulder and help you stay on track. A family member or friend with similar health and fitness goals, and is committed to staying healthy during the holidays, can be a great accountability buddy. In fact, you should support and encourage each other throughout the holiday season.
Really struggling to lose weight? Receive help from a Board-Certified Surgeon. Dr. Golshani offers a personalized, comprehensive weight loss program in Beverly Hills that addresses weight issues issues including nutrient deficiencies, sugar-addiction, poor digestion, gluten intolerance, intestinal yeast overgrowth, food allergies, and more.