Shed That Holiday Weight Gain

Christmas and end of year celebrations are upon us, and with work and family festive gatherings overriding our routines, it’s easy to see why many will herald in the New Year with an extra centimetre or two around their waist.

Don’t despair! All you have to do is decide that this year you’re going to mitigate the problem and get back on track quickly after the holiday season. And to help you, here are five tips that will do just that, preventing you from gaining those unwanted kilos this season.

1. Exercise

Get back on your exercise routine as soon as possible. Even better: continue exercising during the holiday season. If you can’t maintain your full workout schedule, do as much as you can.

In addition to the obvious bene-fits of losing kilos and centimetres, regular exercise is proven to help you sleep better, reduce stress and give you extra energy. Exercise also encourages other healthy behaviours that can help you to avoid overindulging.

2. Scale Down Your Portions

Make a conscious effort to eat a little less than usual. Refuse seconds. And never go to a party hungry, or with all that especially tempting food and social interactions, you’ll eat more than you should. Instead, eat a light, healthy snack beforehand so you don’t arrive feeling ravenous. Cutting back is something to apply to your life year round.

3. Make The Time

Whatever you do, don’t use the “I’m too busy” excuse to skip your exercises. Try these ways to sneak in a workout during the holidays:

• Use a personal trainer. Your exercise time will be scheduled; you’ll feel obligated to keep the appointments; and your trainer will make sure you have the most efficient and effective workout.
• Take an exercise class. There are many available at local community centres, health clubs and gyms.
• Exercise with friends. Instead of going out to lunch with your workmates, suggest going to the gym. You may even be able to chat a bit while working out. And be sure to pick up something healthful to eat before you head back to work.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress can cause the craving for—and the consumption of—fatty comfort foods. To reduce the amount of stress you’re feeling, you need to first pinpoint what’s making you feel tense. Write down the three things that cause you the most stress, then find specific ways to reduce these factors. And if things can’t be changed, exercise is a great stress reliever.

5. Go To Bed A Half-Hour Earlier

Thirty minutes may not sound like a big deal, but it will give you an extra three-and-a-half hours of restorative sleep per week, which comes to more than 15 hours for a month! That good sleep will lead to less stress-based eating, and it will help you deal with the problems that arise during the day ahead.

With these practices, you’ll be ahead of the pack when it comes to taking off those indulgent holiday kilos. And that’s a great way to start the New Year.