Meagan Hollman
The holiday season is full of joy, merriment and peace on Earth—but not always peace of mind. Don’t stress over holiday weight gain. Strategize. Whether you’re a Utah college student or a parent of too many to count, here’s the battle plan:
You don’t have to swear off sweets altogether, just go easy. Eat small portions—one cookie, one thin slice of cheesecake. Don’t double up for missed days.
Skipping meals causes your metabolism to slow and your body to start storing fat instead of burning it. Plus, if you skip a meal now, you might binge later.
There will be room for an hors d’oeuvre or two, but not enough that you’ll overdo it.
Socialize with your Utah college chums, play silly holiday games like Christmas Trivia, move around, do anything that keeps both mind and body away from the food.
Your stomach won’t register that it’s full for about 20 minutes. If you speed eat during that time, before you know it you’ll be stuffed like a turkey. Slow down and pay attention to your body to avoid overeating.
Holiday spreads—especially at Thanksgiving—can be pretty expansive. If you take smaller portions, you’ll actually be doing yourself a favor by getting to try a bit of everything. Just remember to stop eating when you’re full. One more thing: balance out the calories. If you overindulge on meat and potatoes, you’ll have to cut down on pie.
If you’re the party thrower, give your guests the leftovers. Contrariwise, if you’re the guest, politely refuse to take the rest of the pumpkin pie home. Don’t give yourself the excuse that you’re a “starving” Utah college student. That pie is going to do more harm than good.
These drinks have high sugar and fat content. If you’re going to indulge in dessert, exchange the Dr. Pepper for a calorie-free glass of water.
During the holidays these little gremlins quietly lie in wait for you to impulsively put your hand in them. If you do, they’ll bite. Don’t get near them and the calories won’t get near you.
Don’t save exercising regularly for your New Year’s resolution. Sure, the weather’s cold and the holidays are busy, but you’ll find a way to work it in. Exercise can be as simple as walking to and from the campus of your Utah college.
