Ways to avoid gaining those holiday lbs.
Start your day with a bang
Exercising in the morning can help ensure better behavior all day long, according to a study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Using brain scans, researchers found that when women worked out in the a.m., they not only moved more the rest of the day, but they also responded less to pictures of tempting food compared with the days they didn't do a morning workout. The upshot: fewer cravings for high-fat fare.
Concentrate your workouts
So what if you can't get to your favorite yoga class or find time for the treadmill? "Even just 15 minutes can help you maintain your fitness level," Dr. Church says. For example, jumping rope for 15 minutes torches about 190 calories; a quick yoga sequence at home can help you stay flexible.
Avoid banking calories
Cutting back all day so you can indulge at an event that night only sets you up for a pig-out. Why? You're freaking starving! "It's easy to get out of control when you're faced with high-calorie choices," says Tanya Zuckerbrot, RD, author of The Miracle Carb Diet. Be sure to eat your three squares and a couple of snacks. Aim for lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean protein.
Avoid morning-after food
Have the night of your life, then send guests home with food-filled Tupperware. "It's the leftovers that do you in," says Lauren Slayton, RD, founder of Foodtrainers in New York City. Repeat after us: Out of sight, out of mind... Remember you treated yourself at the party, now its time to regain focus and get back on track.
Drink your H20
Make it a point to have 1 glass of water an hour. Whether, its before the event at the office or at the party. Get that water in you! Drinking water for proper hydration is recommended, but it will not prevent hunger. The team of researchers did conclude that a diet containing water-rich foods can reduce caloric intake, keeping your satiety high after a meal.
If you can’t manage to drink it, EAT YOUR H20
Instead of trying to down eight glasses of water (near impossible when you're busy), have a green salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and a few slices of avocado. "These water-rich foods help keep you hydrated, so that everything moves through your system faster," Zied says.
**80/20 RULE** look for foods such as celery sticks, cucumber, watermelon. Also, try to fill your plate with whole foods, fruits and veggies. (80% of your plate should be non processed foods and lean meats) leaving you with 20% to treat yourself, but stay focused and try and make the healthy choice when choosing the 20%
Chew slowly
We know: When your to-do list is never-ending, it's hard to make yourself downshift, even at mealtime. But eating fast is a quick recipe for an expanded waistline. Here's why: "The more air you swallow, the more bloated you'll get," Taub-Dix notes.
Get plenty of potassium
The nutrient counterbalances sodium, so you retain less water, Zuckerbrot explains. Our favorite potassium possibilities: bananas, papayas, kiwis, strawberries, and cantaloupe. Or serve up some asparagus or dandelion greens to get the bonus of a natural diuretic.
Keep calm and kick cravings
Stressed by the sight of that holiday spread? Take deep breaths before you grab a plate. Research suggests that women who practice stress reduction techniques are able to prevent weight gain. Close your eyes and focus on your reaching for 30 seconds. Then reevaluate whether you really want to fill your plate; chances are you don't.
Tip* wear a pair of pants that fit snug (not tight) you want to feel confident and at your best so you will remain that way.