Does it sometimes feel like people are purposefully trying to make you gain weight? They bring you gifts of cookies and cakes and chocolates. Your co-workers bring in festive trays full of sweets. You can’t go shopping without running into displays or ads for yummy holiday treats.
(NOTE: We chose a cookie-less image for this article…we don’t want to add to the problem!).
So how do you avoid giving in to temptation?
Hint: Willpower alone is not enough.
Tip #1 – Start with a breakfast high in protein
Too many of us start our day by skipping breakfast, or going with sugar filled options like muffins, cereals, donuts or pastries.
When you do that, you’ve already started the sugar-roller-coaster and the day has barely begun. This sets you up for more cravings throughout the day as you swing between sugar lows and highs.
Instead, eat a breakfast high in protein with eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese. Your body has the fuel it needs and you are less likely to be hungry and craving sweets as the day goes on.
Tip #2 – Keep the right snacks on hand
What do we mean by “the right” snacks? Snacks that are healthy and fill you up.
Always carry some healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, jerky, hard boiled eggs, or an apple.
Healthy snacks can help you LOSE weight. How?
First of all, you have an alternative to the high calorie sweets you are surrounded with. Second, you don’t end up waiting to eat until you’re starving-and noshing on everything in sight (and increasing the likelihood you’ll give in to temptation.)
Tip #3 – Opt for flavored coffee or tea instead
Now, we are NOT talking about an extra grande mocha mint eggnog gingerbread add whipped cream coffee drink. We mean straight coffee, perhaps with some cream, with nutmeg, or cinnamon, or vanilla. Or try a flavored coffee like hazelnut. Your taste buds get a treat that tastes sweet, but without the sugar and calories.
Not a coffee drinker? Try tea. There are a wide variety of flavored teas that can warm your belly, treat your taste buds, and keep you on track.
Tip #4 – Drink a glass of water
So you really really really want that sweet. Drink a tall glass of water first. Drinking a glass of water helps you feel more full. Plus, it buys your brain time to think through your decision. Many of our sugar cravings are impulsive.
But what if you still really want that treat?
If after all of this, you still have to have a treat, be smart about it. Opt for a lower calorie, lower sugar option. And keep the serving size small. Eat one cookie, not six. Have a small slice vs. a huge slice a la mode. Opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
You don’t have to gain weight over the holidays!
Personal Trainer Food can help. We’ll deliver healthy prepared meals and snacks to your door. Plus, if you have a sweet tooth, we have yummy vanilla and chocolate shakes that are low in sugar. So you can enjoy delicious shakes without the guilt.
Start now and you can actually LOSE weight instead of gaining weight this holiday season. It’s the perfect gift to give to yourself! Imagine having looser fitting clothes, more energy, feeling better about yourself. You can do this!
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