No matter how committed you are to sticking to a healthy diet and exercise routine, it is human to give in to some of your favorite holiday food cravings (something we genuinely encourage so long as it is balanced: you deserve to indulge!). From roasted turkey and stuffing to all the cakes and pies, there are plenty of traditional treats that we look forward to at the end of every year. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying what you love, it’s also normal to feel frustrated in a few weeks as you struggle to figure out how to lose holiday weight as quickly as you gained it.
If you’re looking for the best way to lose holiday weight before the warm weather hits, look no further. Our team of Ideal Image experts rounded up seven ways to lose holiday weight effectively — and more importantly, sustainably.
1. Identify the Source of Your Holiday Weight
Holiday weight is what most people use to describe the extra pounds they gain over the special winter season — and to be clear, it’s perfectly normal. No matter what you celebrate, there’s bound to be food-related festivities in store. Going overboard with certain meals is tempting since most of these dishes only come around once a year, but moderation is key. Avoiding it altogether isn’t the answer (you’re celebrating, after all!); just be mindful that most of these drinks and treats involve high amounts of sugar, calories, and processed fats
2. Drink Lots & Lots of Water
A key to keeping excess weight off your belly is to stay hydrated. Drinking water helps you feel full faster, supports fat metabolism, and aids in flushing waste from your body. It also promotes regular digestion, keeping your gastrointestinal system on track. Water, tea, and other hydrating fluids can help to flush away toxins, hydrate the body, and keep your system in check.
3. Establish a Regular Exercise Routine
A Good Housekeeping study showed that average weight gain during the holidays is measured at just under one pound, which means two things: first, everyone is susceptible and thoroughly enjoying themselves, and second, the holiday weight is never as drastic as you think. (Keep in mind that much of it can be attributed to bloating in response to straying from your usual eating habits, too.)
In addition to drinking water, make sure you’re staying active. A solid exercise routine can help you trim excess fat and keep any holiday weight at bay. If you’re looking to successfully lose weight with exercise, consistency is key: commit to going to the gym on a regular basis.
4. Do Your Post-Holiday Shopping
If you’ve been going through all the jewelry, skincare, and makeup sets, or clothing you received on Christmas, it’s likely you’re already making a list of items you need to return or exchange… and how you want to spend gift cards on wish list items you’ve been eyeing. Research has shown that walking around for about two hours burns about 260 calories, which can contribute greatly to your weight loss goals — proof that shopping can be part of your cardio.
If you want to know how to lose holiday weight successfully but can’t work out regularly, make a habit of walking a little bit more during your normal shopping trips and everyday errands, grocery runs included. Park a little farther away from your destination and where possible, take the stairs instead of the escalators or elevators.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
What is the best way to lose holiday weight? Be mindful of the high-calorie holiday foods. It’s much easier said than done, however, because we know just how tempting it is to dive into your favorite dishes and desserts. The good news is that research has shown that you don’t need to curb your cravings for food to successfully go on a diet.
In fact, it’s much better for you to redirect your cravings into eating a well-balanced range of things. Try to amp up the number of fruits and veggies you add to your meals, and stay away from processed foods as much as you can. By eating well, most of your holiday weight gain will fall right off in no time.
6. Walk A Mile in Someone’s Snowshoes
You can continue enjoying the holiday season long after all the gifts have been opened and the leftovers have been put away. If it’s snowing outside, challenge yourself with a walk. The snow will naturally force you to use more of your muscles, pushing you further and harder to get you closer to your goals.
Should you choose to go the literal route, know that walking in actual snowshoes can burn almost 300 calories every 34 minutes — making it a great way to keep some of those excess holiday pounds off. If you don’t have access to snowshoes, put on your most durable boots and hike up a snowy hill for a fat-burning exercise.
Come in for a Free CoolSculpting® Consultation at Ideal Image
In addition to these six weight loss tips, you can also freeze away unwanted fat cells with CoolSculpting®. While not a weight-loss treatment, CoolSculpting® is an effective way to target stubborn areas that resist diet and exercise. This non-surgical treatment uses cryolipolysis to freeze and naturally eliminate fat cells, helping to sculpt and refine your shape. With no needles, surgery, or downtime, CoolSculpting® is an FDA-cleared solution that can reduce up to 25% of treated fat cells. Results develop gradually, so your body has time to adjust, revealing a slimmer, more contoured appearance over the following weeks. Plus, once the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good.
Want to learn more? Book a free consultation with our team of Aesthetic Consultants today.
