How to maintain your weight loss?

Avoid gaining weight during the holiday season

Despite our best efforts, most of us still gain a few pounds during the festivities. It is natural since all the delicacies are too tempting and out of politeness we may have to eat even if we are full. Academy of the Sierras, a boarding school for weight loss, suggest the following strategies to maintain and continue their successful weight loss over the holiday break.

Plan exercise activities for high-risk days. The foundation of effective weight management is activity. So, when you have a big meal planned, begin the day with a brisk walk, bike ride or some other calorie-burning activity. Avoid starvation before celebration. Starving before a big holiday meal or party can increase the chances of overeating. Starving produces deprivation and strong biological drives to eat anything. Instead, try controlling your eating in the morning with a high-protein breakfast (like an egg white omelet or fat-free cheese melted on an English muffin) and then eating low-fat, low-sugar foods throughout the day.

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Study the food scene before munching down. After arriving at your holiday event, quickly survey available food options. Take note of fresh fruits or vegetables that will work for your eating plan. Make a mental note of things you should avoid eating, like high-fat chips, dips, nuts and other calorie-dense foods, and stay away from those areas where these foods are being served. Ask ahead about what will be served for the main course. You might decide to forgo the appetizers in favor of waiting for the leaner main course selections like turkey, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Monitor the details of your eating and activities. Research has shown that those who write down virtually everything they eat, along with their activities, are far more likely to lose weight during the holidays. If you set goals for your eating plan (like no more than 20 fat grams per day), then self-monitoring will help you reach these goals. Have fun without food. The holidays are closely associated with food and eating. So try to think about fun family activities that don't involve food. Why not focus on your family and friends, games, and special projects, and finding new ways to have fun and relax? If there is room for dancing, do it even if you do not consider yourself a great dancer. It is a great way to have fun and burn all those extra calories.