Weight gain is a huge concern for many adults who take steps to keep the pounds off. However, during the holidays, people often throw caution to the wind and binge for the entire period. This probably explains the usual weight gain of 0.4% during festive periods like Christmas. This is followed by guilt and a sense of losing control for many people. Fortunately, there is a way to still enjoy these delicious holiday treats without the associated guilt. Here is how to do it.
- Moderation is the key
The problem with most holiday treats is the high caloric count. So smaller portions of your favorite holiday treats mean fewer calories to worry about. For women, the recommended amount of calories consumed daily is 2000, while men require 500 more. High-calorie foods provide immediate energy and are useful in certain situations, like recovery or active sports. However, during the holidays, caution goes out the window as people crave holiday sweets and all kinds of treats.
Undoubtedly, nobody, apart from yourself, can stop you from enjoying them during the holiday season. You are your gatekeeper in this situation, and it is recommended to consume in moderation. Your ability to control these cravings by limiting consumption can prevent you from taking a guilt trip, and that will require a great deal of discipline.
- Count calories before indulging in treats
While the holiday season may not be the best time to count calories, it wouldn’t be too bad to do it. When you focus on healthy eating, counting calories can keep you on track without taking anything away from enjoying the season. There are many holiday treats with different calorie counts. The only way to exercise caution is to choose those with lower calories that still enable you to indulge.
For starters, you can do nothing more than 100 calories in a sitting but keep it at 2000 or less in 24 hours. This calculation is applicable if you are an adult female. For example, slow-churned ice cream contains less fat and is an excellent low-calorie snack. It has 2 grams of saturated fat, 15 g of carbs, and 20mg of cholesterol. Additionally, cottage cheese with cantaloupe and whole grain pretzel sticks have low calories you can enjoy at a sitting. Regarding pretzels, if you have the 15 minute reindeer chow, the whole grain option will be excellent for calorie watchers.
- Work it off
Did you know that thirty minutes of swimming can burn off 200 calories? And half an hour of brisk walking burns off 150 calories. This means you get to enjoy your favorite holiday treats without an ounce of guilt! People are concerned about over-indulging in these holiday treats due to the fear of weight gain. However, getting physically active to counteract the potential outcomes of these treats can be the way to go.
It takes a lot of self-motivation to keep your activity levels up during the holiday season. When you stick with a routine, there is an increased chance of feeling less guilty for indulging in your all-time favorite holiday treats. Working out stimulates dopamine production, which helps in regulating your sleep cycles. Did you know that your body craves more sugar when it lacks sleep? When you understand it from this perspective, it becomes easier to keep an eye on your cravings for holiday treats.
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