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How not to gain weight during the holidays?
Tips to being healthy and fit
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While some previous studies had shown that an average American puts on anywhere from three to seven lbs. from Thanksgiving to New Year, the good news is
that we put on a little more than a pound during this
period, according to Paul Ratte, naturopathic practitioner at Northwestern Health Sciences University's Natural Care Center.
Indeed with all the good food out there and cold temperatures that keeps us indoors, it is hard not to
eat more, but the consequences can be disastrous. (Related:
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The problem is that most people retain that one extra pound for the rest of their lives. If you don’t lose that pound of fat and keep accumulating it for 20 years, when you are reaching an age when you will see that middle age spread, you would have an extra 20 lbs. to deal with from cookies and cakes. While many people resolve to
go on a diet in January, the sad news is that most people find it difficult to keep that resolution and do not lose the gained pounds, according to several studies.
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 How to stop weight gain during the holidays in the first place?
Eat only what you truly like. We all know that around the holidays, food is everywhere. And not all of us want to cook healthy when inviting people for a party or sharing what we cook. After all we want it to taste delicious and that is why
we make generous use of undesirable ingredients. So you will come across unhealthy food at parties, family get-togethers as well as
in your office kitchen. Please stay away from these or eat just enough not to offend the host or the cook. It is best to eat only those foods that are very special for you and you will truly enjoy eating them.
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Prepare yourself for eating at parties. That is where you have little control over what you can eat. Therefore, do not go to
parties while you are starving. Drink plenty of water or eat a
healthy snack before leaving. That way you will not be forced to eat unhealthy food, and if there is nothing to eat, you can always eat just a little bit and come home and have a bowl of oatmeal.
Limit your alcohol consumption, particularly cocktails. Remember, unlike water, all alcoholic beverages have calories. Ask for a glass of wine at a party and you can kill hours with just one glass.
Eat and drink in moderation. Just because it is good or your favorite dish, you do not have to eat more of it. Ask for a recipe if you really like a dish and make it later yourself.
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Exercise regularly. Just because it is holiday time does not mean that you forget about your
workout regimen. If you burn all those extra calories, you will continue to look great.
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