Winters can be fun as a season of parties, feasts and festivities. But at the same time this season can be a tough time, especially for those of you who are embarked on a weight management journey. With all the feasting, shopping and parties going around, you might find it hard to stick to your weight loss journey. However, in such situations, the first question that arises in your mind is “Is it possible to celebrate the season without packing on pounds?” And the answer is “yes.” Without restricting yourself from all the enjoyments, and with proper planning and researching you can keep your weight loss goals on track for the holidays.
Here are some simple tips that could help you in this regard.
- Set solid goals: The most important thing is to have a clear understanding why you need be fit and healthy. It’s easy for things to slip when you don’t have a strong goal to accomplish, which can also make you lazy and less motivated. So while setting a goal, make sure that it’s specific in order to be successful. According to an article from health.usnews.com, “Be aware of your excuses, even if they are legitimate. That is if you make the choice to not accept those excuses, it’s incredible what you can accomplish”.
- Plan according to your vacations: As holidays come with extra social gatherings, family get-togethers, office parties and festivities, plan accordingly. One of the main things to keep in mind during this time is learn to say “No” to yourself. According to an article in Green Bay Press Gazette, “Make room for a few extra calories during your event by getting a little more movement in, being more mindful of what you are eating earlier in the day, and decide what is a treat you don’t want to forego and which you are perfectly fine saying “no” to”.
- Get extra movement in: To get a long 1- to 2-hour workout might be difficult while you are on a vacation, but it doesn’t mean you cannot have extra movement. You can take a 10 minute walk a couple of times a day, or instead of using elevators and lifts you can take the stairs. These extra movements can be a reset for your brain and get energy flow going through your body.
- Observe your diet: Parties or gatherings would have variety of foods on the table, stay away from extra calories, but it doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t enjoy the abundance of treats available over the holidays. Just keep the calories on check and be mindful of what you are eating. Healthy eating can be made simpler and easier through planning and preparation. Get twice as many veggies as fruits each day as this will help you fill up with high-fiber, low-calorie foods that keep the palate craving the good things and not craving all the sugary bad things.
- Always stay hydrated: Water is essential for survival, so drink as much water as you can. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and throughout the day we lose it due to sweating, breathing and, well, going to the bathroom. That’s why it’s so important to drink plenty of water and replace the fluids that you lose during the day.
- Don’t compromise on sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to difficulty in resisting cravings and control impulses, which in turn can affect your weight loss goals. Poor sleeping habits slow down weight loss and can even lead to weight gain. So, try to get a good night’s sleep and you’ll be better able to deal with stress and stick to your healthy habits.
- Recruit an Exercise Buddy: Getting support is important in helping you achieve any weight-loss goal, especially in hectic times. Take time to inform your friend or family member regarding your weight loss goals and request them to track you so that managing all of the stress is not just an internal job.
- Don’t let stress get to you: Holidays can be a magical time and at the same time it can be stressful. Try to find some moments and healthy ways to relax and release tension. You can read a book, take a soothing bath or shower, take a walk in the snow and build a snowman.
Maintaining weight or losing weight during a holiday season is a great accomplishment. So, to complete this task successfully, implement the above-mentioned simple things in your life, and stay focused to keep track of your weight loss goals during this season.
