How to Keep the Weight Off

You’ve worked hard this summer. You’ve got the bikini body you were after and you’re feeling great! But winter is coming, and with the cold months comes the holiday season: an onslaught of delicious food that never seems to end until the new year. Then BAM — you’ve gained all the weight back, only to have to try and lose it again. But what if you were able to keep the extra weight off? Is that even possible? Of course it is. Here are five tips to start working on now so you don’t have to worry about it come January.

Keep exercising

This first tip may seem obvious but you’d be surprised how many people lose their exercise routine once the temperature drops. Continuing your physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to keep your summer body tight; consistency will help you fight weight gain. To maintain it, try adding a reward system.

Put a dollar in a jar for every workout completed, then buy yourself something nice with the proceeds for the holidays.

Don’t keep leftovers

That doesn’t mean eating everything in sight. People often have problems with weight gain over the holidays because they keep eating the rich and fattening foods in the following days after a party. Eating those foods for one day won’t change much except make you feel a little bloated, but eating them day after day until the next party will. Offer leftovers to your guests to take home with them, or just throw them away. Remember, it’s only food. Throwing it away won’t hurt your weight, but eating all of it will.

Everything in moderation

This is a general rule to consider year-round, but applies especially during the colder season. It’s hard to only eat one plate of comforting mash potatoes, glazed ham, or warm cookies when a huge pile is still in front of you. Eating this much is definitely not going to help your weight. So instead of devouring multiple plates to taste everything, pick your top five favourite foods and eat one plate of just those.

Hide the sweets

Out of sight, out of mind. It’s a phrase that actually works! Applying this to your snack time can definitely help keep the weight off. Tucking away your sweet treats will genuinely help you forget about them, meaning you won’t eat the entire bag. Better yet, ask someone else to hide them from you! While it sounds desperate, it may work in your favour.

Once it becomes more difficult to get the sweets, you’re less likely to want them.

Try alternatives

Why not try cooking healthier alternatives to your usual favourites? Look up some recipes for less fattening and less sugary foods, or food replacements for your existing recipes. For example, you can use greek yogurt or avocado instead of butter, and still yield a surprisingly delicious meal. There are many alternatives to unhealthy ingredients that can help you keep the weight off and still enjoy what you make.

Maddy has worked in the health and fitness industry for 5 years. She has a bachelors in Exercise Science and has recently received her Masters in Exercise Physiology. She has worked with a wide demographic of clients as a Personal Trainer and loves helping people reach their goals and continue to grow.  She is an outdoor enthusiast and dedicates her workouts to rock climbing, hiking and whatever new experiences may come her way.

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