The following question was answered by Ryan Rogers, MS, CSCS, USWF I, Strength and Conditioning Coach at Fitness Quest 10.
The holidays are coming up and I always gain weight with all the parties and food. What can I do to stay lean this holiday season and beyond?
The holidays are tough, with potluck functions and dinners, so here are some keys to keeping your intake under control so you don't gain weight.
1. Bring your own healthy dish.
Those parties often have food that is enticing to eat, but horrible on the waistline. If you bring a healthy dish you enjoy, you know you'll have at least one food that you won't get into trouble with.
2. Go for the fruits and veggies.
Parties will often have vegetable or fruit trays, so go heavy here and you can fill up on lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Just make sure to take it easy on any dressings of dips, since they are usually full of fat and sugar. It's probably best to keep your fruits and vegetables naked.
3. Grab a small plate.
The smaller your plate, the less you will be able to put on it. Just make sure you don't go back into the line too many times and you'll be okay.
4. Drink a glass of water and eat a piece of fruit before you go out.
The water and fruit will help fill you up and leave you feeling more satisfied, so you can make more reasonable choices at the party. Going to a holiday party hungry is asking for trouble.
Use these strategies to have a lean, healthy holiday season! |
Health and Fitness 
