Career Insights

Keeping Holiday Snacking in Check

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated December 22, 2015. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
holiday snacks

Yesterday, we look at keeping your studies on track during the busyness of the holidays. Today, we'll focus on a different temptation: food, food, and more food!

With a plethora of parties to attend, festive beverages to imbibe and delectable delicacies to consume, it's no wonder that many people put on a little weight over the holidays.

But research indicates that those ounces tend to be tough to shake even over several years. Over a lifetime, marginal gains during the holidays can contribute to obesity and related health problems.

The good news is that it's possible to keep your weight in check over the holidays without totally abandoning your enjoyment. Before you join in the festivities, take a look at these tips to help you avoid tipping the scales after the new year.

MAKE AN EFFORT TO MAINTAIN

The holidays are not the time to dive into a new, spartan diet plan. If you can simply maintain your weight through the holidays, you deserve a pat on the back. Plan to resume your usual weight loss program in earnest after the new year, as WebMD advises.

EMPLOY STRATEGY

By planning ahead, you can reduce the overall calories you're consuming. Before heading out to an event where you know the edible choices will tempt you, eat something healthy at home. Ensuring that you're not starving once you reach your destination can discourage mindless snacking on high-calorie treats.

BE SELECTIVE

Nowhere is the old saying "your eyes are bigger than your stomach" truer than at holiday parties, with their endless selection of high-fat, high-sugar treats. Don't feel that you have to try everything. Instead, choose reasonable portions of your favorite foods and pass up everything else."

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

At holiday events, it's quite easy to absent-mindedly take in thousands of calories while you chat, especially if you're consuming alcohol.

A wise strategy is to have a little of what you want but to do so with mindfulness and attention to what you are eating. By focusing on the smell, taste, texture and overall experience of your food, you can reduce the number of calories you're consuming.

STAY ACTIVE

According to the American Diabetes Association, the best way to offset eating a little extra is to get some exercise. Over the holidays, try to make physical activity a family affair by taking a walk around the neighborhood or staging a friendly game of Frisbee or soccer in the back yard.

Health notes that maintaining an exercise program also can relieve stress, and it can help curb cravings for decadent foods, perhaps because you don't want to undo the positive effects of your workout.

To help others preserve their health, consider working toward a career in health care with Concorde Career Colleges.

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