How to Work Out and Avoid Weight Gain During the Holidays
Holiday weight gain: 5 tips to stay fit
The Gymaholic Team wishes you happy holidays.
Stay strong and stay safe.
It's that time of the year when you gather with friends and family to consume very tasty meals.
Like many of us, you will get thrown off your workout routine and you will most likely eat more than you need to.
Nevertheless, you can still stay fit during the holidays without overthinking it.
Here are 5 simple tips that will help you train and avoid weight gain during the holidays.
During the holidays you will find yourself surrounded with good food, but also with many unhealthy snacks.
It's important to treat yourself with moderation.
Therefore, you should try to consume healthy snacks between your main meals.
Eating whole food, high-fiber snacks will provide you the right nutrients to make you feel full, decrease junk food cravings and prevent you from overeating.
Here's a list of healthy snacks:
- Nuts & seeds
- Vegetables
- Greek yogurt
- Peanut butter
- ...
You can find yourself feeling a little more lazy during the holidays.
You know, heavy meals, afternoon naps, holiday movies...
In consequence, you should build the habit to move more.
You can try outdoor and indoor activities with your friends and family.
For example, you could walk instead of driving, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc.
They will help you digest better and have better over your weight management.
Getting plenty of sleep is beneficial for your mind and body, but we're not talking about food coma, though.
Research has shown that sleep deprivation can create to an imbalance of your healthy and unhealthy bacteria in your gut microbiome, which leads to poor food choices and overeating.
Training during the holidays is difficult.
Gyms are closed and you usually don't have much time to train.
However, a workout doesn't have to last more than 30 minutes to be effective.
You can burn 200+ calories in less than 20 minutes by doing a HIIT Workout (High Intensity Interval Training).
We tend to take eating for granted.
Eating while watching tv, already thinking about what we're going to eat next.
Needless to say that we're eating too fast and don't chew enough.
On average you're supposed to chew 32 times to properly digest most foods.
Studies show that taking your time to eat and drinking water will make you feel fuller and will increase your ability to absorb nutrients.
- Eating snacks between your meals can help you avoid junk food cravings
- Trying activities with your friends and family can aid weight control
- Sleeping more can prevent gut microbiome imbalance and overeating
- At home HIIT workouts are effective to help you burn a lot of calories during the holidays
- Chew your food slowly and drink more water to feel fuller and avoid weight gain
Frequently Asked Questions
To maintain your fitness routine during the holidays, try incorporating quick home workouts, such as HIIT sessions, which can be done in under 30 minutes. Additionally, prioritize regular movement by choosing activities like walking or taking the stairs to keep active throughout the day.
Healthy snack options during the holiday season include nuts and seeds, vegetables, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter. These snacks are high in fiber and nutrients, helping you feel full and reducing the temptation to indulge in unhealthy options.
Adequate sleep is crucial for weight management, as sleep deprivation can lead to poor food choices and overeating. Ensuring you get enough rest helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for better digestion and weight control.
A quick and effective workout you can do at home is a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session. These workouts can burn 200+ calories in less than 20 minutes, making them ideal for staying fit when time is limited. For more on HIIT, check out How to Lose Fat Fast with HIIT: The Afterburn Effect.
Staying active during the holidays helps counteract the effects of indulgent meals and sedentary activities. Regular movement aids digestion, improves mood, and supports weight management, ensuring you enjoy the festive season without compromising your fitness goals.
To stay hydrated during holiday celebrations, make a habit of drinking water before, during, and after meals. This not only helps maintain hydration but also supports digestion and can prevent overeating by promoting a sense of fullness.
Mindful eating during the holidays allows you to enjoy your meals while controlling portion sizes and preventing overeating. By focusing on the flavors and textures of your food, you can enhance your dining experience and make healthier choices.
