Many holiday foods are high in sugar and saturated fat, which can lead to holiday weight gain. And while you might only pack on a pound or two, it’s better to avoid packing on the pounds at all.
Here are five tips you can use to get fit and stay healthy during the holiday season.
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Avoid the Fizzy Drinks
Increasing your water intake can help you keep off the pounds, but not everyone likes the taste of plain water. Instead, they turn toward carbonated drinks. During the holidays, it’s very common to see more sodas and fizzy drinks around.
However, soda, seltzers, and sparkling water can make you feel more bloated because of all the extra carbon dioxide in your digestive system. Also, sugary drinks like soda are one of the main causes of holiday weight gain. You don’t need all that extra sugar!
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Stick With Small Meals
It’s extremely common for people to overeat during the holidays since so many spreads contain all the holiday favorites from turkey to the stuffing to the pumpkin pie. But overeating not only leads to you consuming more calories than your body needs, but it can also negatively impact your digestive system.
Instead, remember portion control and learn to eat smaller meals. Listen to your body—when you’re full, say no to dessert.
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Try Probiotics
Probiotics are also known as the good bacteria that help your digestive system handle food, protect you against bad bacteria, and keep bowel movements regular.
Probiotics can also help reduce bloat. You can also try prebiotics, which helps feed the bacteria living in your digestive system. You can find prebiotics in foods like ginger, pineapple, bananas, and parsley.
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Cut Down Sodium
Many holiday foods are also high in sodium, which causes your body to bloat and retain fluid. Too much sodium in the diet can also make you feel uncomfortable and sluggish.
Try to avoid pre-packaged foods, salt, salad dressings high in sodium, cheese, and canned soups. Check the label to look for high levels of sodium and consider healthier alternatives.
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Join a Fitness Group
In the colder months, we can neglect our exercise. For many people, going outside in the cold and icy weather for a walk is far less appealing than getting into a heated car or staying inside.
One of the best ways to get fit is to join a fitness group. You’ll be around like-minded people who want to stay in shape, and you can gain valuable insights from your fitness instructor. There are various membership options, so you can easily find the perfect one to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Click for more information on joining a fitness group.
Get Fit for the Holidays
If you follow these tips, watch what you eat, and keep exercising, you can get fit for the holidays. You won’t have to worry about holiday weight gain, and you can say no to all those holiday cookies and festive, sugary drinks.
Staying healthy is a lifelong journey. Take a look at some of our other health articles for more tips like these.
