The average American gains 10-15 pounds between the first of October and the new year. Considering that more than 75 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions state weight loss as one of them, that is only adding more to the weight people want to lose. If you are one of those people who want to get fit in the new year, don’t set yourself back before you get started. Beat the bulge during the holidays with a few simple steps.
Get to moving
If you don’t work out, now is a good time to start. You may not lose any weight over the holiday period, but you are more likely to keep from gaining anymore weight as the holidays bring in more food. If you do work out, step it up a notch. Add in a two mile walk or 30 minutes of cardio three days a week. Again, you may not lose anymore weight, but you can combat gaining any additional pounds with a few simple workouts.
Get to sleeping
The holidays keep us busy and people report disturbances in their usual sleep pattern. Most don’t sleep enough, which can cause your body to stress and slow your metabolism, which in turn causes you to gain weight. If you aren’t sleeping enough, it’s time to start. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and kids need at least 10. If you are an adult and sleeping more than 10 hours a night, you may be getting too much sleep, which can also slow your metabolism. Be sure that you are getting the right amount of rest for your needs.
Substitute the fatty stuff
All the holiday food is a wonderful treat at the end of the year, especially when the weather is getting colder. But eating too much of it can cause you to gain weight. Pick three or four of the things you absolutely cannot do without and indulge on those, but cut the calories and fat in other dishes by eating a healthier option or not eating anything else at all. Overeating is a huge problem for weight gain at the holidays, so set your portions (no matter the food) and try to stick to those. If you are cooking, look for healthier alternatives to some of the more fatty foods.
Take vitamins
While this one may not help you beat the bulge, it can help you beat the illnesses you are sure to come into contact with. When families get together, there’s sure to be at least one person who is under the weather. Don’t succumb to illness, which can disrupt your metabolism (as well as your workout schedule). Instead, beef up your immune system by taking plenty of vitamins in advance of family gatherings.
