I was looking for tips on how to combat holiday weight gain when I came across an interesting article published by the Cleveland Clinic Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute.  Entitled 8 Steps to Surviving Holiday Weight Gain, the article stresses the importance of self-discipline, exercise and ample fruit and vegetable intake especially during the holiday season.

According to ulia Renee Zumpano, RD, LD, registered dietitian, Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation, instead of trying to lose weight, we should  focus on maintaining our current weight during the holiday season.  Meaning,  I am 132 lbs. right now so instead of aiming to be slimmer by New Year’s eve, I should just focus on not gaining more weight.

But the thing is, during the holidays, we get invited to all the parties and family reunions where we throw caution to the wind and find reason to abuse the buffet tables.  So in order to avoid holiday weight gain, the article suggested simple steps on how to keep the extra pounds off:

• go the gym, take a walk, do household chores whenever you can
• consume more than 7 servings of fruits and veggies
• stop bringing candy or cookies to work, eat only in the dining area
• limit yourself to a piece of cake, a candy, or cookie each day during the holiday season
• snack on something healthy like a piece of fruit before going to a party
• eat sensibly during gatherings
• be able to say “No’ to your hostess when you think you’ve had enough
• socialize and move around during gatherings to keep your mind off the food and burn those extra calories.

I hope you found this post helpful. Happy Holidays!