4 Killer Strategies To Get Through The Holidays Without a Gut

Between eggnog, apple pie, and mashed potatoes, the holidays are a dieting minefield. Most people’s holiday eating strategy is to simply “let go” and deal with their bulging gut with an empty weight loss new year’s resolution.

Your browser may not support display of this image. Unfortunately, although research shows that most people gain only 1-2 lbs. during the holiday season (good news), the weight tends to stay there (bad news). Over time, 1-2lbs. every winter can add up to a hefty waistline.

Fear not, there are some amazing research-backed strategies for limiting the damage to your body over the holiday season.

Killer Strategy #1: Focus on Food, Not Exercise

While a solid diet and regular workout routines are a surefire formula for a fantastic physique, when it comes to preventing weight gain, food takes the cake.

That’s because it requires a boatload of exercise to offset the damage of a single poorly chosen meal. For example, to burn off the calories in 2 slices of pumpkin pie, you’d have to run at torrid pace for 45 minutes.

Unless you want to spend the first half of the New Year living sweating in a gym, it’s best to limit portions on calorie bombs like cakes, pies, and fatty cuts of meat.

Killer Strategy #2: Learn to Pre-Dine

Studies show that when you’re hungry, you tend to not only choose less healthy options, but also eat more of them.

An easy and amazingly effective trick is to eat a small meal or snack before you arrive at a food-filled event. Your pre-dining doesn’t have to be elaborate. In fact, Research at Purdue University found that simply eating some almonds before a meal-helped people eat less.

You can even stash a bag of nuts in the car and chomp on a few handfuls on the way to the next party.

Killer Strategy #3: Favor Fiber

One of the most effective appetite suppressants on earth is good ol’ fashioned fiber. In fact, it’s been shown time and time again that eating fiber at regular intervals throughout the day helps people feel satiated and less likely to pig out when desserts come out.

Holiday foods that tend to be high in fiber are: corn, veggies, yams, and whole-wheat crackers.

Killer Strategy #4: Pack on Protein

If you’re deciding between another slice of turkey or pie, go with the turkey. Not only will this give your body the building blocks for some holiday muscle, but many scientists think that high protein foods like turkey are less likely to get stored as fat.

The same can’t be said for sugary foods like cookies and cakes.

Killer Strategy #5: Bring a Healthy Dish

Want to stand out at the party (in a good way)? Bring a healthy version of holiday favorites like whole wheat stuffing, fresh fruit topped with cool whip, or roasted nuts. That way, you’ll be guaranteed to have at least one healthy option.