How To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Holiday is just around the corner. How many pounds do you expect to gain this year? 5 pounds? Or 10 pounds? And how do you expect to lose these pounds after the holiday is over? I mean, really, 5 pounds is easy to gain but so hard to lose. Don't you think?

Here are 8 tips to help you stay in shape during the holiday season. Stick to these tips, and you'll be able to control your weight quite easily.

1. Have a plan - Holiday is your fat season unless you have a good plan. You've got to have a plan. So, plan ahead. Come up with smart strategies that will work for you well in advance. Don't wait till you gain those ugly pounds.

2. Be picky - Don't stuff yourself with every kind of food you see on the table. Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to eat it. Stay away from cheese and all things deep-fried. Eat a whole lot of salad, and go with light dressing.

3. Say no - Learn to say no to your family and friends. When they begin to serve dessert, tell them politely you're full. You're full, and you know it. Think twice before you say yes. Or better yet, just say no.

4. Eat small - You are what you eat. Eat like an ant, not an elephant. Use a small plate instead of a giant one. Eat only one serving not three. Don't exhaust your tummy.

5. Drink a lot of water - Drink a full glass of water before your meal. Drink at least three more between your meal. This way, you'll get full more easily. And when someone offers you soda or sweetened drinks, tell them you prefer water.

6. Burn it off - Walk when you can sit. Run when you can walk. If it's too cold to jog outside, keep moving in the house. Run up and down the stairs.

7. Jot down - Keep a journal. Write down what you've eaten, in detail. This way you'll see if you've eaten too much.

8. Dress for success - Choose to wear a nice outfit that's perfectly fit. Don't wear that one-size-bigger shirt with those old big comfy jeans of yours, or you'll end up binging.

Weight gain is easy. Weight loss is difficult. It's so much easier for you to control your weight during the holiday season. And you won't have to struggle to lose weight after the holiday is over.