Preventing holiday weight gain

It's official! The holidays are here. Trees & lights are going up, ovens ooze the still lingering scent of pumpkin, apple & pecan pies. Stores host magnificient holiday scenes that make even the oldest of children melt with holiday cheer.

Yes, they're here. Are you ready for them?

"Experts" (and I use that term VERY loosly) say that the average American will gain between 5 - 10 pounds this holiday season. Fear not! I'm here to tell you that you do NOT have to be a statistic! It IS possible to enjoy the season without eating yourself into another pant size!

Here are 5 basic tips to remember while treating yourself this season:

1. Practice Portion Control: If I have one mantra for the holiday season, it would have to be: All things in moderation. Keep your serving sizes in check at all times and you really can enjoy your favorite holiday treats without gaining weight.
2. Take a Walk: Stay active during the holidays and those extra pounds won't creep up on you. A 30-minute brisk walk most days of the week can do wonders for maintaining your waistline. Get outside if the weather permits or hit the mall before it opens for a workout while window-shopping.
3. Plan Smarter Meals: Try some new ways to make your holiday meals healthier. Small changes can add up to a big difference. This can be as simple as serving steamed vegetables instead of casseroles or removing skin from the turkey. Just choosing fruit instead of a desserts can save hundreds of calories.
4. Cope with Cravings: Food cravings are a part of life, but they can be especially daunting during the holidays. You seem to smell or see tempting food nearly everywhere you go. If you can't avoid food cravings, the best way to fight back is to be prepared with a plan for an alternative activity to eating.
5. Don't Give Up! The worst thing you can do when it comes to weight management during the holidays? Give into all-or-nothing thinking and keep making bad choices once you've made a mistake or two. Never throw in the towel just because of a few slip-ups!

Until Tomorrow!

Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!

Have an awesome day!

♥Fit~NOW~Girl♥