Indulgences in party food and leftovers are widespread this holiday, which is likely the reason why you think you might have gained weight. However, getting back on track shouldn't be a challenge if you follow some of these top tips:
1) Get rid of your kitchen and pantry foods that are rich in calories, sugar and saturated fats. It's best to get rid of these temptations now so that you won't be tempted to cheat later. With junk food and empty calorie snacks gone, fill your kitchen with healthy snacks and display on counter tops and the table. If a bowl of fruit is in plain sight, you're likely to go for that first, according to Fruits and Veggies More Matters.
2) Reconsider your holiday binge. There are still a few more events to go to and instead of filling up your plate at the New Year's buffet, go for a smaller plate. Practice portion control already so that you won't be tempted to eat in excess.
3) Hydrate with loads of water regularly as this can help stop the hunger pangs that trigger fatigue and moodiness leading you to reach out for comfort food, according to weight loss expert Brian Quebbemann, via U.S. News.
4) Tally your drinks for the rest of the holiday because these are packed with calories, too. New Year's celebrations are expectedly going to be filled with champagne and some other drinks, but be mindful of how many glasses you've had. "Keeping a tally of how much you are drinking is an easy way to see if you need to cut back to keep within the recommended limits," said nurse Maureen Talbot, via Express.
5) Sleep early and get enough sleep hours. The body produces melatonin in the brain once it's set for sleep. This activates thermogenesis, a fat-burning process. While you can get melatonin via supplements, it's different when it's naturally produced by the body. "There's no established melatonin dose to take to get a good night's sleep. But it's not harmful. Your body will eliminate what it doesn't need. It's only harmful to your wallet," said Dr. Fred Jaffe, the medical director at Temple Sleep Center, via News Max.
6) Seriously, find time to exercise and don't make any excuses. It might be too cold for a run, but you can schedule gym visits at convenient times. Get your shiny new 2016 calendar and start charting a schedule. Better yet, pack your gym bag and keep it down by the door, so that you'll be reminded and motivated to haul yourself out of the house to workout.
A final tip from an expert, dietitian Marissa Puleo via Medical Daily: "Basically, get lots of good sleep, a lot of water and incorporate physical activity, like walking, to get you back into a good routine."
