Health:8 TIPS TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN/Story: Velveteen Rabbit.

8 TIPS TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN Cue the gift guides, festive parties, and sweet treats – the holiday season is officially here! While the tastes of the season should be appreciated, we’re around more rich foods than usual with all the festivities. In fact, on average, people tend to gain more than a full pound during the holiday season. Here are some simple tips you can follow that will help you enjoy yourself while still approaching the new year feeling like your best self. 1.     Don’t overcommit. As holiday engagements roll in, remember that you don’t have to attend every party or cookie swap if it’s not going to feel good for you. 2.     Plan ahead. Before you go to a holiday party, have a healthy snack. Snacks high in fiber, like hummus and veggies, or high in protein, like Greek yogurt, can help you feel satisfied walking into a party; 3.     Be active. Don’t worry if your favorite boot camp or yoga class is canceled – there are so many ways to move your body and still get your heart rate up! 4.     Get more sleep. Sleep is so important to overall health, and not getting enough of it is associated with weight gain. 5.     Watch portion size. It’s simple – the larger your plate, the more food you’re prompted to fill it with and the more likely you are to overeat. Before you sit down for a meal, consider opting for a smaller plate. 6.     Start with the “good” stuff. Make sure to add some color to your plate and fill the plate up with protein, whole grains, and vegetables. By getting the most nutritious foods on your plate first, you’re more likely to crowd out less nutritious options. 7.     Slow down. Consuming food too quickly often leads to overeating, so take your time and savor your meal. 8.     Be mindful of beverages. Between all the festivities, you may end up having significantly more sugar and alcohol in your diet than usual. Extra sugar and alcohol can lead to extra calories, but it can also have a negative effect on immunity. No matter what you have planned for the holidays this year, make them as enjoyable as possible by not overthinking it and allowing yourself to be in the moment. https://www.integrativenutrition.com/blog/2018/12/8-tips-to-avoid-holiday-weight-gain Story: Velveteen Rabbit. by Margaret Williams