How to Keep a Slim Body Before the Holidays
Do you dread going into the holidays carrying an extra 10—15 lbs? If so, you’re not alone.
Everyone wants to be in great shape and to be sporting their best body before the festive season gets underway. Here’s an excellent strategy to slim down and stay trim before the holidays start, not after!
Do a 7-Day Pre-Holiday Detox
A 7-day detox can help you rid your body of common causes of inflammation and the stress it causes your body, making it harder for you to stay in shape. In the days leading up to the holidays, stay away from the following foods:
Refined sugar. Removing sugar from your diet leads to you being less inflamed and re-sensitizes your taste buds to sweetness. You’ll then be able to fully appreciate all the sugary goodness that comes with the holidays and only stick to a few bites. You most likely won’t need as much sweetness to feel satisfied, either.
Dairy. You may not be aware that it’s happening to you, but as we get older, many of us lose the ability to digest dairy. As a consequence, slight inflammation may result, which makes some people break out. Try removing dairy from your pre-holiday diet and see how your digestion and energy levels improve.
Gluten. Not only a common cause of inflammation, but gluten can also make it more challenging to lose weight. Go gluten-free for your 7-day detox and notice how you start to feel. You may be surprised by how much it improves your digestion, mood, and overall health. Look for tasty grains that don’t have gluten, like rice, millet, or quinoa.
Eat More Vegetables
You might think you have been misled your whole life, but eating vegetables truly is a good idea, especially if you want to drop some pounds and keep them off. Why? Not only are vegetables high in fiber and low in calories, but the vitamins and minerals they contain nourish your body and reduce cravings.
Increase Your Water Intake
Staying extra hydrated not only helps your skin to develop a healthy glow but it also speeds up your weight loss efforts. Being dehydrated contributes to fatigue and stubborn weight gain. Try drinking more water throughout the day, and you’ll become healthier and feel more energized.
Stay Away From the Snacks
In the lead up to the holiday season, unhealthy snacks like cookies and other goodies become plentiful, which means you’re more likely to snack unnecessarily.
Keep treats out of sight and if you are hungry and need a snack, opt for real foods. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are filling snacks without added sugars or unhealthy fats — both of which can lead to weight gain.
Watch Your Portion Sizes
People who eat larger portions tend to gain weight more easily. The best way to deal with this is to control portion sizes or use smaller plates.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep deprivation is quite common during the holidays and may lead to weight gain. By increasing your hunger hormone levels, it ultimately leads to a higher calorie intake.
Exercise
People who are more active have lower inflammation levels, which leads to the body being healthy and strong. Exercise promotes higher energy throughout the day, and you’ll notice the benefits in your mental and emotional well-being, too.
Dr. Florence Mussat Can Help
Should you need more help with staying slim and would like to consider surgical and nonsurgical alternatives, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Florence Mussat, in Chicago, IL, is standing by. With her help, you can soon be on your way to achieving the look you’ve always wanted, and before the holidays. Schedule a personal consultation with her online or by calling (312) 751-9000 today!