Trying to avoid holiday weight gain can be a bit of challenge. We all tend to gain a few pounds when the weather starts to turn colder and the days get darker. Here are 5 winter weight loss tips to help you manage your weight at this time of year.
Beware Of Party Food!
Of course, a simple way to avoid winter weight gain is to not eats lots of high-calorie, non-nutritious foods. Control your portions by using a smaller plate and if you’re at a buffet, take what you want and then going sit away from the buffet table. If you eat next to it you’ll eat more. Before going to a party, eat some high-fiber fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots to fill up and curb your desire for calorie-rich party foods.
Keep Your Exercise Routine Going.
Keeping to a regular fitness schedule is the key to avoiding winter weight gain. When it’s dark before and after work it can very tempting to skip your regular exercise routine. If don’t want to be outside for your outside activities, try some other forms of exercise. You could go swimming at your local indoor pool or trying some dance classes to keep you fit and healthy. There are also plenty of ways to exercise at home.
Drink Less Alcohol.
Alcohol is very high in calories and is often consumed in large amounts because it’s liquid. It makes you to feel hungrier, so you eat more. Have a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink. This will slow down your alcohol consumption and help you to feel full. Get into the habit of drinking more water during the day as it has no preservatives, no sodium, and no calories.
Control Your Calories.
If you cut down your calorie intake by just 100 calories per day it will make a substantial effect on your weight over the period of the year. It is not too difficult to cut back by that amount and it is a very achievable target for most people. Don’t try and restrict your calories intake too much as it will slow down your metabolism and make it more difficult to to reduce your weight over the long-term.
Don’t Give Up.
Losing weight in winter is more difficult than any other time of the year. Research does show that the average person puts on between 2 to 3 kilos (approx 5 to 7 pounds) at this time of year. But if you’re too restrictive and never allow yourself to eat the things you enjoy, it will make you miserable and you’ll give up totally trying to avoid winter weight gain. You need to allow yourself a few treats now and then. If you do eat too much at one meal, just leave it at that. Make the next meal better.