If we are going by “I Google’d it and found this” metrics, most studies claim that the average American will gain 1-2 pounds over the holiday season. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and loads of bread certainly do a number on the waistline with an array of pies enforcing “lose weight” as the number one New Year’s Resolution across the continent.
While this post necessitates a few common sense entries, some are a bit more complicated and are worth a look:
Eat Before Going Out
A fuller stomach before heading out means...you guessed it, less eating. It will also prevent you from getting sloppy in front of co-workers and relatives, falling over and showing your underwear to everyone at the party (again).
So, fill up enough that you can still have some snacks without over doing it, while having a couple drinks. That fullness feeling will prevent overeating and overdrinking.
Use Smaller Plates
Cornell University concludes that bigger plates equals bigger portions as the brain relates empty plate space with less food, causing you to pile on. You can use this method for any time of year really, choosing the smaller plate is scientifically proven to cause less ‘indulging’.
Don’t Eat & Watch
As much as BuzzFeed wants to tell you that binge watching things is cool, your ‘Netflix and Chill’ should not include binge eating either. The saying goes that if you’re not paying attention to what you eat, you’re more likely to shovel down more mashed potatoes, eventually leading to a large, gravy-filled grave.
You’re Still Allowed to Exercise
I know what you’re thinking...and the answer is good God yes it is much easier to stay inside, all snuggled up during the winter months. But did you know that you won’t die if you exercise in December and January?
You’re going to want to get ahead of the “join a gym in the new year” crowds and you can do it at home; jump rope, run stairs, treadmills and more. What works best is making a list of exercises to do consecutively. Whether it’s a list of ab routines or simple stuff like push-ups and burpees, there’s no excuse for not taking 15 minutes to tend to your waistline.
Fidgeting Works!
That’s right, you can burn calories just by fidgeting if you’re sitting around at work or at home on holiday:
“you would burn about 600 more calories than if you sat motionless all day. If you fidgeted while standing all day, you would burn about 950 more calories than if you stood motionless all day.”
Tap those fingers, click that pen and shake the Jimmy Leg to burn off that dinner roll.
Sneak in the Veggies
Try alternate yet tasty dishes like puree cauliflower and sneak in the carrots whenever possible. Remember, while delicious, all the breads and meats are some serious carbs and calories not meant for man or woman, but barbarians.
The added fiber of veggies helps make us fuller.
Bonus Tips
While this post necessitates a few common sense entries, some are a bit more complicated and are worth a look:
Eat Before Going Out
A fuller stomach before heading out means...you guessed it, less eating. It will also prevent you from getting sloppy in front of co-workers and relatives, falling over and showing your underwear to everyone at the party (again).
So, fill up enough that you can still have some snacks without over doing it, while having a couple drinks. That fullness feeling will prevent overeating and overdrinking.
Use Smaller Plates
Cornell University concludes that bigger plates equals bigger portions as the brain relates empty plate space with less food, causing you to pile on. You can use this method for any time of year really, choosing the smaller plate is scientifically proven to cause less ‘indulging’.
Don’t Eat & Watch
As much as BuzzFeed wants to tell you that binge watching things is cool, your ‘Netflix and Chill’ should not include binge eating either. The saying goes that if you’re not paying attention to what you eat, you’re more likely to shovel down more mashed potatoes, eventually leading to a large, gravy-filled grave.
You’re Still Allowed to Exercise
I know what you’re thinking...and the answer is good God yes it is much easier to stay inside, all snuggled up during the winter months. But did you know that you won’t die if you exercise in December and January?
You’re going to want to get ahead of the “join a gym in the new year” crowds and you can do it at home; jump rope, run stairs, treadmills and more. What works best is making a list of exercises to do consecutively. Whether it’s a list of ab routines or simple stuff like push-ups and burpees, there’s no excuse for not taking 15 minutes to tend to your waistline.
Fidgeting Works!
That’s right, you can burn calories just by fidgeting if you’re sitting around at work or at home on holiday:
“you would burn about 600 more calories than if you sat motionless all day. If you fidgeted while standing all day, you would burn about 950 more calories than if you stood motionless all day.”
Tap those fingers, click that pen and shake the Jimmy Leg to burn off that dinner roll.
Sneak in the Veggies
Try alternate yet tasty dishes like puree cauliflower and sneak in the carrots whenever possible. Remember, while delicious, all the breads and meats are some serious carbs and calories not meant for man or woman, but barbarians.
The added fiber of veggies helps make us fuller.
Bonus Tips
- Chew gum
- Beware of Sugary Booze
- Use tall/thin glasses when drinking, you’ll drink less
- Drink a lot of Water
- Delay seconds; wait 20 minutes to see if you’re full before going back for more