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Tips to avoid weight gain during the holidays
Holiday weight gain is a common concern for many adults.
Various seasonal holidays may encourage overeating, sedentary behaviour, and consumption of calorie- rich foods. In fact, between mid-November and mid-January, adults in Western societies gain an average of 1 pound (0.5 kg).
This may not seem like a lot, but most people don’t lose this extra baggage. Therefore, holidays — no matter the time of year — may be one of the biggest contributors to your total annual weight gain.
That said, holiday weight gain is not inevitable, however.
Here are 5 tips to help you avoid weight gain during the holiday season.
Be active with family and friends
Sedentary activities, such as sitting on the couch watching TV, are common holiday traditions for many families.
Inactivity may contribute to weight gain, especially if accompanied by overeating.
Doing some type of physical activity with your family may prove beneficial for weight control. Even something as simple as a family walk can get your mind off food and allow you to bond with your loved ones.
You can also stay active during the holidays by signing up for a workplace or community fitness event. Races are popular options.
Snack wisely
During the holiday season, unhealthy snacks like cookies and other goodies tend to be available for you to take as you please.
When treats are easy to access, you’re more likely to snack unnecessarily.
At home, keeping treats out of sight can solve this problem. However, that strategy is more difficult to avoid in situations that you cannot control, such as at your workplace or a family party.
Try to be mindful of your snacking habits. If you find yourself munching just because there’s food around — and not because you’re hungry — it’s best to avoid snacking altogether.
However, if you are hungry and need a snack, opt for real foods. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are filling snacks that don’t contain added sugars or unhealthy fats — both of which can lead to weight gain.
PAGE 13 INSIDE ACCESS | DECEMBER 2020 4TH EDITION