The average person tends to gain anywhere from 5 – 10 pounds during the holiday season, especially between Thanksgiving and New Years. Talk to your favorite personal fitness trainers, though, and they’ll tell you that holiday weight gain is completely avoidable – especially if you take care to maintain regular eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. You can still have fun and enjoy some special treats, but only if you do so in moderation. Here are some tips to help you avoid holiday weight gain this year.

Avoid Emotional Eating

Let’s be realistic. The holidays are certainly stressful, especially if you have a family to provide for. Many people feel pulled in multiple directions as they try to shop, cook, and attend gatherings hosted by family and friends. The stress can lead to emotional eating or absent minded snacking and the abundance of high-calorie treats surrounding you at every event will likely take your daily calorie count over the top.

Stick to Your Fitness Program

Talk to your personal trainer about the things you can do to ensure you stick to your regular fitness routine. Most fitness programs in West Chester, for example, will include special holiday gatherings or may alter their hours for the holidays so that the instructors and trainers can enjoy some time off as well. Discussing any changes with your trainer will give you the opportunity to make alternative arrangements for classes, times in the gym, or workout time at home.

Ditch the Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages contain a ton of calories and quite a number of people tend to drink more than usual over the holiday season – especially if they’re coping with emotional situations. Alcohol not only contains calories but will also lead you to make poor food choices, opting for sweet treats instead of healthier options (if any are available). Eating, drinking, and sleeping – in combination – are the recipe for weight gain. Make sure you drink plenty of water before you go out to party and in between alcoholic beverages. The water consumption will slow you down and help curb your cravings.

Eat Before You Go Out

The fact that you are going to a holiday party is not an excuse for starving your way through the day. Eat small, healthy meals throughout the day instead of “saving” room for the food at the party. Your breakfast and lunch will digest normally, so there will be plenty of room for party food. Not eating will cause your body to go into starvation mode and whatever you do eat will be more likely to be stored as fat for fuel later on. Besides, if you aren’t starving you won’t make poor food choices.

Cook Carefully

You might really enjoy cooking special holiday meals, cookies, pies, and treats but be careful during the cooking process. Even the best cook will taste what she is creating but over-tasting (because your food is so delicious) will cause you to over-eat or lose your appetite. Take very small tastes, if you must, but try to limit yourself when at all possible.

Go for a Walk

The urge to hit the couch for a nap after dinner is usually overwhelming, but why not make a tradition of going for a walk after your holiday meals. The family will enjoy spending some quality time outside, the kids will have a chance to burn off some extra energy, and the urge to sleep will be reduced. Besides, taking a walk after dinner will make you feel a little bit better about your dessert choice.

Talk to a Nutritionist

Many personal trainers in West Chester also hold nutrition certifications. Ask your trainer if he does and, if not, ask him for a recommendation. This is incredibly important if you have a health condition that requires careful monitoring of your diet. A nutritionist may be able to help you make better food choices and can teach you about exchanging foods for healthier alternatives while cooking for the holidays.

A number of people do gain weight over the holidays but you do not have to be one of them. Make careful choices, stay in touch with your personal fitness trainer, and enjoy the season with family and friends!

Author Bio: Find personal trainer and fitness programs infused with life coaching at Premier Personal Training in West Chester, PA. Call 610-429-9002. http://www.WestChesterPersonalTrainers.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: find personal trainers, find a personal trainer, fitness program, premier personal training