10 Tips to Celebrate without Gaining Weight

“10 Tips to Celebrate without Gaining Weight” by Danna Demetre in Simplify Your Holiday Season book by Marcia Ramsland.

1. Drink a Large Glass of Water Before Facing any Food Temptation.
   

   Water not only fills you up, but reminds you of your goal to eat with purpose at social events.
   

2. Get a Reality Check.
   

   Most holiday cookies, candies, and other treats are at least 150 calories per ounce. That’s more than a full tablespoon of butter. If you eat 10 morsels, you could gain a half pound of fat at one party!

3. Practice the Ten-Minute Delay Rule.

   Every time you have an urge to eat one more goodie, make yourself wait ten minutes. If nothing else, you will eat considerably fewer calories by delaying.

4. Stabilize Your Blood Sugar to Decrease Cravings.

   A lean, healthy breakfast and lunch that each have at least 15 grams of protein and 5 to 10 grams of fiber (and no empty calories) will give you great energy and balance to withstand temptations more effectively!

5. Burn More Calories Every Day.
   

   Work off the extra calories you eat this season. If you add at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, you could burn off an excess 3,500 calories or more between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That’s one pound of fat!

6. Stock Up on Healthy Snacks that Will Help You Say “No.”

   Avoid the goodies and treats that really aren’t your favorites anyway. Healthy energy bars will give you a “sweet fix” and still keep you on track. Fruit, veggies, and nuts (in moderation) are always great options.

7. Always Bring a Healthy Option to Any Dinner or Party.
   

   That will allow you to eat a bit more volume of something you know will fill you up without all the fat or calories.

8. Put On Your Bathing Suit Every Day.
   

   Ask yourself in front of a full-length mirror this question: “Do I really want to store extra fat on my body this holiday season?”

9. Change Your Self-Talk.

   Start telling yourself daily truths that will change your neuron pathways and move you toward a healthier perspective, such as: “I am easily satisfied.” “I enjoy being healthy and lean more than indulging in unhealthy foods.” These messages repeated daily can actually change the way you respond to temptation over time.

10. Remind Yourself You Can Have Anything You Want, Anytime You Want It.

    You just don’t need to have it all right now. Choosing to have a lean body that is full of energy is the best gift you can give yourself and your family this Christmas!
    

Danna Demetre is an international speaker and author, best known for her most popular book, Scale Down: A Realistic Guide to Balancing Body, Soul & Spirit. She is a former radio host and a frequent media guest. 

*** These 10 Tips are in Marcia Ramsland’s popular holiday book, Simplify Your Holiday Season. Fourteen Holiday Experts share their 10 Tips in this classic holiday planning book. Don’t miss any of them.