One major problem with following a diet is that it gives you a feeling of restriction and that all the joys of the world will leave you as you find the need to give up on your favorite foods. The holiday time is worst. It makes you miserable that you have to say no to a decadent piece of pecan pie or nurse a diet mentality around the holidays. It kills the joy of eating and removes the enjoyment of holiday eating. So, what are the main myths surrounding holiday weight gain? Let's check it out right now!
You Move to The Next Year with Bigger Waistline
Research says that you may not gain much weight over the holidays, whatever your weighing scale says. It's more of a water weight since eating salty, sugary, fatty food and alcohol can lead to bloating and water retention. And this may result in you gaining a few pounds. However, it is a temporary phase, and as soon as you start eating right, you lose the extra water weight.
Blame it on the Pies and Cakes
Although holiday comfort food has been considered one of the biggest reasons for holiday weight gain, it may not be true. It's not only the good food but the good company that promises to be a big factor for weight gain. When we socialize, we tend to eat more. So, to keep a check on how much you eat, stop yourself from munching unconsciously.
If you constantly need food to fuel your conversations, move to a room with no food. There are better ways of bonding than food. How about a game of cards or a walk after dinner? It can certainly take your focus away from food.
Overexercise Can Negate Overeating
It would help if you ate according to the calorie needs of your body. You cannot out-exercise a festive diet. Research says that even if you stay active between Thanksgiving and the New Year, you may still put on that holiday weight. But what is important to note is that you should not consider exercise to punish your body since this is a negative mindset to embrace. Exercise is not a toll to lose weight only. It has many other benefits, such as boosting your energy levels, improving digestion, and managing your stress levels.
Detox and Fast after the New Year
Anything extreme is not good for your body and mind. After indulging in sweets and desserts, and high-calorie foods in the holiday season, if you go straight to a juice cleanse or extended period of fasting, it will worsen your health. This kind of restrictive eating is just crash diets in disguise. They can affect your metabolism, and you are stuck in a vicious cycle of eating, fasting, and overeating. And such extreme measures are not at all necessary.
All you need to do is get back to your old routine; eating right, exercise and getting an adequate amount of sleep. Make those healthy swaps that can prove to be sustainable changes, giving you good results in the long run. Make small tweaks such as meeting your friend over a walk in the park, opting for sparkling water instead of wine, and eating various fruits and veggies. These small lifestyle changes are more effective than fad diets or practices, which have fewer side effects.
Choosing Healthier Versions of Food can Guarantee Weightloss
This is just a myth. Yes, you can swap your mayo with Greek yogurt or no sugar in your coffee, but eating boring, bland food every time can impact you derogatory. Foods labeled light may not always be healthy.
They sometimes have additional calories as they contain more additives and other nasties. Instead, eat your favorite food mindfully and savor it so that you do not feel deprived. This way you enjoy the food more and also ensure you eat the lesser quantity of it.
Well, it is time to bust the holiday-eating myth bubble. Stick to a routine, and remember you don't have to change a great many things to lose the extra weight. Instead, just stick to a routine, and you will knock off the holiday weight in no time and without much effort.