Losing Weight After the Holidays

What would holidays be without sumptuous, mouth-watering feasts? For many people, this is the problem with holidays - with all the delectable aromas filling the air and the delicious food on the table, they can't stop eating! They tend to pack on the pounds, and have a hard time getting rid of it. With the holidays just around the corner, here are some useful tips that can help you lose all that holiday weight after the festivities.

First of all, set realistic weight loss goals. Don't aim too high, as you will probably end up being disappointed and letting your body suffer. Start your weight loss by aiming for around 10% of your actual goal. Losing approximately 1-2 pounds a week is actually enough. Most effective weight loss programs advocate losing 10 pounds first, and maintaining that weight for around 6 months before you try to lose any more weight. Also, don't make such drastic changes in your lifestyle and eating habits, as this can end up frustrating you instead of motivating you. Modify your lifestyle slowly in order to make lasting changes.

Next, change your diet. Be smart in your food choices. Choose the healthier versions of the foods that you usually eat. Nowadays, there are healthier alternatives to most foods that have less sugar, fat and calories. Also, add a little more protein to your meals, as protein can actually make you feel full for a longer period of time than either fats or carbohydrates can. Aside from your food, it is also important to be conscious of your drinks. Soft drinks contain empty calories, and are best avoided. Alcohol is another drink that you should avoid, as it is a rich source of calories. Instead of these drinks, it is best to just stick with plain old water. Water is actually good for the body and drinking water can make you feel full, preventing you from overeating.

Aside from changing the kinds of food that you eat, it is also important to change the way you eat. Eat more frequently, typically around 5 times a day. Eating smaller portions at more frequent intervals will curb your appetite and allow you to feel full throughout the day. Light meals taken frequently also help increase your metabolism. Also, eat more slowly. It takes approximately 20 minutes for the satiety signal to reach your brain. If you eat more slowly, you can prevent yourself from eating excessively. Also, do try to measure the food and the calories that you're eating, especially salad dressings and dairy products.

There's no better way to lose weight than by burning calories off via exercise. Start a regular exercise plan that you will be able to maintain. Become a member of your local gym or attend some basic fitness classes. Even just walking approximately 30 minutes several times a week can make you thinner and healthier. If you're looking for something more active, try engaging in a new sport and form a team with your friends. That way, you have other people to motivate you to lose weight.

Finally, during the next holidays, do indulge, but don't overdo it. Now you can you're your cake, and eat it, too. Enjoy!