Losing weight is hard, especially during the holidays. Here are some tips to get your weight loss kick started!
1. Watch liquid calories
Soda, juice, hot chocolate and alcohol are all empty calories which add up. Just one can of soda can be 100 calories! Also, soda (even diet) can cause bloating!
2. Take your time eating holiday dinner
I know it's tempting to eat quickly because everything is so good, but taking your time will prevent you from overeating.
3. Try to avoid eating late at night
After dinner, try to limit snacks. Your metabolism changes slightly when you're sleeping so those calories are more likely to become fat. Studies have shown that when an individual eats food late at night, the body is more likely to store those calories as fat.
4. Try to eat foods with Potassium
Holiday foods can sometimes be full of sodium which causes you to retain water. Potassium counterbalances sodium.
5. Don't snack while watching holiday movies or Netflix
You'll way eat more if you're distracted than if you were just focusing on eating.
5. Learn what a real serving looks like
It’s really easy to misjudge a portion size. For instance, the average woman's fist is one cup, a deck of cards is three ounces of lean meat or poultry and one cup of cooked pasta or rice is the equivalent of a tennis ball.
6. Get your steps in where you can
Dog needs walking? Your mom needs help carrying things up and down the stairs? Take every chance you can to get up and get walking.
7. Try eating on a smaller plate
Eating on a smaller plate tricks your brain into thinking you're eating more than you actually are.
8. Watch your carbs
You don't have to completely starve yourself of carbs to lose weight, but those Christmas cookies add up after a while.
10. Don't weigh yourself at night
You'll just discourage yourself. Try weighing yourself in the morning when your stomach is empty!
11. Don't cut back too much
If you cut back your calories so you can indulge in your dinner, it only sets you up for failure (and a possible pig-out).
12. Love yourself no matter what
Remember that weight loss should be for you and not someone else. You are awesome just as you, are but if you want to lose a few pounds, there are healthy ways to do it!