For millions of people, ‘twas the season for guiltless feasting. After all, you only enjoy traditional holiday fare like pumpkin pie and the increasingly popular deep-fried turkey once a year, right? According to government studies, most people expect to enter the new year heavier than before. Even though the average increase is just over one pound, this single pound can sure add up over the years… and those pounds eventually become harder to shed.

Here are some simple slimming solutions to you shed (and keep off) those packed-on holiday pounds all year long:

• Avoid Overindulging. Overeating is a surefire way to unwrap a larger waistline during any season. From now on, listen to your body and eat only until you’re satisfied. Knowing when to push the plate away is a simple maneuver to prevent weight gain.
• Eat Your Protein. Don’t dig into your favorite dessert without first eating some lean protein, such as turkey breast, to keep you from filling up on sugary calories.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption. Fruity, creamy, sweet beverages are typically full of extra calories. Eggnog, a hot toddy, a toast with champagne or even an ordinary margarita means you’ll sip about 200 to 300 extra calories with every glass. Keep spirits high by keeping alcoholic spirits to a minimum…and drinking plenty of water (try fruit-infused or sparkling water) instead.
• Block the Carbs. Chilly-season “comfort foods” are usually starchy and carb-laden (more mac-and-cheese anyone?). Minimize their effects and thwart weight gain with an herbal carb-blocker. If cold weather and decreased sunlight have you feeling drained, boost your energy with a Green Tea supplement. Green Tea is also an excellent fat metabolizer. Use in conjunction with a carb-blocker to double-team extra pounds.
• Dear Diary. Keep a food journal, writing down everything you eat. It’s a consciousness-raising habit for dieting success.
• Get Moving. Resist the desire to hibernate like a bear all winter. Burn calories and boost your digestion with some brisk walking. Idea: hit the clearance racks (or preview next season’s swimwear) in a big, bustling shopping-mall. The point is, get your feet going!

Be well!

~ Flora

Source: Weinberg, J. (2005). Tackling holiday weight woes. January 2. Retrieved December 3 from http:// www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/diet.fitness/12/29/holday.weight/index.html.