Tips to Help Take Off That Holiday Weight

The holidays are a season of celebrations, five weeks in which Americans binge of Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, groaning tables of workplace treats and alcohol-fueled evenings with family, friends and co-workers. Fittingly enough, all that indulgence comes to an end with the popping of new year’s corks.

For many, binger’s remorse inevitably follows, as they hop off the bathroom scale in horror when they see how that fun has turned to fat. Losing weight remains among Americans’ perennial new year’s resolutions, though very few people ever actually achieve the goal. Fortunately, by making a few simple changes in your routine – and sticking to them through patience, perseverance and discipline – you can be among that successful few. Here are some important tips to help you lose weight in 2023.

Prioritize Nutrition: If you’re going to be eating less, you must maximize every calorie you take in. First and foremost, that means not skipping breakfast; doing so encourages you to snack through the day. It is equally important to try and eat your meals at the same time every day, as this helps to burn calories faster and further reduces the urge to snack. Begin including fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains in your diet; choose high-fiber foods and avoid processed ones.

Plan Your Menus: It can’t be emphasized enough – taking time to determine what you will eat during the week is invaluable to your weight-loss effort. Plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the next seven days, making sure to include delicious food that fit your daily calorie-intake goal. In addition, don’t stock up on alcoholic beverages, junk food and other items that will work against you.

Stay Liquid: Drinking water – lots of it – can have a substantial impact on your ability to lose weight. Research shows that many people confuse dehydration for hunger, which can lead to over-snacking. So, quench that thirst by drinking plenty of water between meals. Also avoid fizzy drinks and beverages with sugar and alcohol, as they add calories to your life while providing no nutrition. Be Mindful: It’s important to remain aware of what you are eating, and the easiest way to do that is by reading food labels. This not only helps you skip unhealthy foods but also makes you aware of the number of calories you are consuming. Ensure that you do not exceed your daily calorie intake limit and try to work fresh produce into every meal.

Small Plates: If you’re trying to get used to smaller portions, one option is simply to use smaller plates. Smaller plates and bowls help you control your food intake and avoid weight gain. Also try eating your food slowly so that your stomach gets enough time to signal your brain that it is feeling full.

Patience Is a Virtue: Getting fit takes time and hard work and, while it might be easier for some to lose the extra holiday weight than others, the key is always to stick to your meal and exercise plan. Adopt a positive approach towards your fitness journey, and it won’t be long before you have regained your fitness.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful