Holiday Weight Gain: Your Survival Guide

It�s that time of the year again: the holidays. With fattening foods in abundance, putting on a few pounds is all but guaranteed. Or is it? Check out our tips to keep weight gain at bay this season.

’Tis the season for cocktail parties complete with elaborate spreads, neighbors dropping off holiday wishes (and pies) and fattening family dinners. If you are one of those people who still hasn’t lost the weight from last year’s festivities, now’s the time to break the cycle with these simple tips.

Stave Off Hunger Before you Feel It: Everyone knows that arriving at a holiday function hungry can spell disaster for your diet, but let’s admit it: indulging in holiday treats is all part of the fun. After all, we only get to eat some of this stuff once a year. If at all possible, eat a small portion of something healthy before you head off so you aren’t ravenous by the time you arrive. A high-protein power bar or a piece of fruit can work wonders on an empty stomach.

Know Thy Food: Ever wonder why holiday food tastes so good? One answer: fat. We know that pie, candy and cookies are surefire, no-holds-barred diet saboteurs, but ham, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole aren’t exactly health foods, either.

Let’s talk turkey—or ham. One serving of ham has approximately 350 calories, while the mashed potatoes come in at 237. Surprisingly, the biggest offender in this lineup is the cranberry sauce, at 418 calories per serving. We haven’t even factored in biscuits, Grandma’s famous gravy or dessert and we are already at more than 1,000 calories. The moral of the story is ignorance is not bliss. Half the battle of the bulge is to know what you’re eating, so take the time to do the research. Next time, you might think twice before going for seconds.