Shecky’s

Everyone is always complaining about holiday weight gain when January rolls around. But a Santa-like belly is easy to prevent if you take small steps right now. First you need to decide what habits you change during the holidays that cause you to gain weight.

Do you drink more than usual? Indulge in more fatty foods? Or, maybe you move around less ’cause it’s cold outside? Are you depressed and turning to cookies for comfort? All of the above? Sure it’s easy to fall off track, but here are some tips that will keep your healthy routine going full speed ahead!

-Jasmine Frazier

Your problem is: drinking your calories – Booze is all empty calories and it lowers your food inhibitions, which can lead you to overeat. So sip slowly and try to stick to lighter-colored alcohol like white wine and vodka-based drinks (psst! Check out some of our better-for-you champagne-based cocktails, too). Mixed cocktails usually contain tons of sugar and thicker drinks like eggnog are chock full of fat. If you must drink beer, choose bottled versions and keep track of how many you’ve drank by keeping the bottlecaps in your pocket.

To control the amount of drinks you down in general, set a limit before you get to the bar or holiday party and stick to it! Better yet, enlist a drinking buddy who’s on the same page. Together you can make the right drink decisions!