Once again, the holiday season is upon us. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to spending time with family and friends, relaxation and of course,  the holiday feasts. During the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, which is roughly 6 weeks, I tend to see people increase their body weight anywhere from five to ten pounds, in some cases even more. Here are a few ways to help prevent putting on extra weight during the holidays:

  • Portion Control. It’s difficult to say no to appetizing food when it’s right in front of you, so what you can do is ask for a smaller dish to control your portions. Because you will not be able to put as much food on a smaller plate, the amount of calories you take in will be reduced.
  • Water Intake. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you will be less likely to feel hungry. Studies have shown that the more water an individual consumes during the day, the more he or she will feel a sense of fullness. If your stomach does not signal the need for food, you will most likely eat less during the day.
  • Exercise. The key is to increase your metabolism so that you can burn more calories. Taking a fast paced walk about 30 minutes after eating is a great way to speed up your metabolism. Also, walking up and down a flight of stairs is a good idea; so is chasing your kids, grandchildren and animals! Whatever gets it going!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday season! Don’t let the holidays ruin your fitness!