How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Gaining a few extra pounds during the winter months is almost guaranteed for most people. With the cold weather, which naturally makes us more sedentary, and the sugar-laden baked goods that are mainstays of the holiday season, the tendency to gain weight is not surprising. Still, there are specific things you can do to ward off the winter bulge. Here are a few tips.

1. If it's too cold to engage in a regular exercise routine, find other ways to make up for it. One of the main reasons that we do not stick to our regular exercise routine is that the weather is less than ideal. When it's colder and darker, most of simply want to stay inside. Shorter days also biologically translate into less energy. To fight this winter malaise, try different ways to get your body moving. Instead of taking the elevator at work, take the stairs. Consider purchasing an indoor stationary bicycle if you don't already have one. Even running or walking quickly in place while you watch TV will help.
2. Indulge in moderation. The holiday season is like Halloween's evil cousin when it comes to fatty foods. Instead of just lasting one day, it spans several holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and more. That means several weeks of being immersed in temptation. The best way, however, to avoid overindulgence is to sample these delights moderately. If you go to holiday part, have a bite or two of dessert. If your spouse makes homemade holiday cookies, have one and give the rest away to friends or family members.
3. Don't keep holiday treats in easy reach. During the holidays, it's typical to have bowls of candies and other treats in your office, on your desk, and other areas where it's easy to reach. Avoid this temptation altogether by minimizing ease of access to unhealthy foods.
4. Relax! What most people don't realize is that the leading cause of weight gain, especially in middle age, is stress. The holidays can be particularly stressful, considering you will have to plan parties, please family members, and prepare for potential vacations. If you want to avoid holiday weight gain, be sure to take some time out for yourself to relax. Go get a message, have a night in reading a book, or draw a hot bath. Whatever it takes to make you feel at peace during the holiday season is absolutely instrumental in avoiding those extra holiday pounds.

Although holiday weight gain is a very real phenomenon, don't worry about it too much. Just be sure to stick to your regular schedule as much as you can, and you'll enjoy your holiday season without being shocked next year when you get on the scale.

About the author: Alvina Lopez is a writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges.

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