Are You Normal?

Do you know what the ‘normal’ weight gain is during the holiday season?

Sometimes you’ll read crazy things, like people gain 7-10 pounds during the time weeks between Halloween and New Year’s, but it’s really more like 3-5 pounds.

And while that may not seem like a lot, the concern is that people don’t actually lose that weight when the New Year comes.

So this year, rather than trying to lose -- what about simply maintaining?

It’s a challenge with all the parties, food, drinks, desserts and stress during this time of year.

But it’s possible.

And here are 4 tips to allow you to make it possible.  Make weight maintenance a reality during the holiday season.  Believe it or not, I’m not even going to talk about portions or exercise ... rather, how visual clues may play a role in weight maintenance.

1. Visual cues may have an impact on our food choices. Basically, the goal is to fool yourself into feeling full rather than actually stuffing yourself like a turkey.
2. Place healthy options where you can see them – Put unhealthy options out of sight and out of mind, and place healthy options, where you can easily see them, such as on the counter or your desk. When hungry, your eye will trigger you to make the healthier decision.  Try keeping in-shell pistachios out or fresh fruit, for example.  This applies to working out, too! – Place your running shoes or workout gear where they cannot be avoided, such as your bedside table or next to the TV. You will be more likely to pick them up if they are right in front of you.
3. Slow down – Eat foods that take longer to prepare and longer to eat, such as in-shell pistachios.  These are great because there is basically a “barrier” between you and the food.  Since you have to work to open the shells, you may eat less.
4. Prepare what I call a “snack station” for work or even at home – Measure out and package up snacks, such as pre-cut veggies or fruit, cups of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, or in-shell pistachios like I talked about earlier.  Place these in baggies or Tupperware to have at your fingertips. When you are on the go and need a quick snack for the car or the office, you have healthy options on hand.

So there you go -- 4 super easy, visual cues to help you make smarter decisions day in and day out, particularly during the otherwise challenging holiday season.

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