Easy Tips for Avoiding Christmas Weight Gain

Let’s start with the obvious: try to cut down on the calories which come primarily from holiday sweets. Portion control is one option, but most people (like me!) don’t have a whole lot of resolve – especially when you’re sitting around watching your family and friends inhale every sweet thing in the house! Your best option is to find tasty morsels that are low-calorie.

Dark chocolate has fewer calories than milk or white chocolate: try adding dark chocolate to your homemade cookies and stock up on dark chocolate candy.

Homemade cookies and breads will more than likely have fewer calories and are usually more nutritious across the board than mass-produced sweets. If you’re not into baking, take some time in the cookie aisle to look at the nutrition facts. Many ethnic foods, such as Mexican cookies or galletas, typically have lower caloric values than most American brands.

If you go into the holidays resolving not to eat anything sugary, your resolve is going to melt and you will end up eating everything in sight. It’s Christmas! You should have a good time and forget about dieting. Feel free to indulge yourself at least on December 25th. One day is not going to ruin everything.

Also, try taking a walk either before or after the family dinner. For example, if the weather allows, get everyone together and go out to look at the neighborhood Christmas lights.

Sorry to say this, but you might want to cut out the cookies and cocoa. I know, there’s nothing for building Christmas atmosphere like snuggling in front of the fire while dipping cookies into your hot chocolate. But this is an unnecessary extra which can add a lot of calories. You can choose one or the other, but don’t have both.

If you decide to send the cocoa down the drain, try having something low-calorie and holiday appropriate like peppermint tea. If you throw the cookies overboard and remain loyal to cocoa, cut out unnecessary things like marshmallows and whipped cream.

After indulging on Christmas day, it’s time to get back to normal. This does not mean you have to throw out all the candy and go back to eating regular, boring meals. But it’s time to reinstitute portion control. It’s alright to have some cookies; just don’t eat them all at once! Start by allowing yourself to have dessert after only one meal. It is amazing how even little things like this really pay off in the long run. This will also make your Christmas goodies last longer and will, therefore, keep you from having to buy or make desserts for awhile.