Maintain Don't Gain!

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Holidays are notorious for a lot of eating! Gathering around the table and partaking in your favorite holiday treats is not bad, in moderation. This holiday season we want you to maintain don’t gain!! Here are some tips to allow you to enjoy the festivities without expanding your waistline.
  • Use smaller plates- no food is on the naughty list. By using a smaller dish, you are limiting the amount of food that will fit on your plate. This will help you take reasonably sized portions and avoid grabbing extra items you might not actually want.  Make your meal count!
  • Wait before grabbing seconds- it can take your bodies around 20 minutes to recognize that it is truly full. By waiting before jumping into a second serving, you allow your body time to realize if it is satisfied.
  • Invest in disposable containers- many gathers around the holidays involve bringing a dish of your own to share. Consider purchasing disposable containers that you can recycle or leave behind. This will avoid you refilling and bringing a dish of extra food home to snack on later.
  • Chew gum- by popping a piece of gum in your mouth while cooking or right after you finish your meal, you reduce the likelihood of getting extra calories from picking at finger foods or going for that second serving.
  • Participate in physical activity- after a large meal, sitting down and taking a nap can be very tempting. Instead of napping, suggest a walk or going outside to throw a ball. Being physically active can be very important to maintaining and not gaining over the holidays.

    As we kick off the holiday season, keep these tips in mind. It is possible to enjoy all your favorites without tacking on extra pounds!

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