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MY TOP 5 PICKS
Watch your portion sizes
When the holidays arrive, it can be easy to overload your plate.
Those who eat larger portions tend to gain weight more easily than those who don’t. The best way to overcome this is to control portion sizes or use smaller plates.
To determine an appropriate portion size, read food labels and the recommended serving sizes listed on recipes. If you can’t do either, use your best judgment to fill your plate with a reasonable amount of food.
Get plenty of sleep
Sleep deprivation, which is quite common during the holidays, may cause weight gain.
This is because those who do not sleep enough tend to be hungrier, consume more calories, and exercise less.
Sleep restriction may increase your hunger hormone levels, ultimately leading to higher calorie intake.
Additionally, inadequate sleep has been linked to lower metabolism. This may be caused by alterations in your circadian rhythm — a biological clock that regulates many of your bodily functions.
Limit liquid calories
During the holidays, alcohol, soda, and other calorie-rich beverages are prevalent. These drinks can contribute a significant amount of sugar and empty calories to your diet, which can cause weight gain.
Additionally, alcohol consumption is often linked to increased appetite and is a risk factor for weight gain.
If you’re trying to control your weight, it’s best to limit your intake of high-calorie beverages.
Contributed by
Lota Anadu
PAGE 14 INSIDE ACCESS | DECEMBER 2020 4TH EDITION