I’m sure you have pondered this question, for it is no secret that we all tend to put on a few pounds during this magical time of year! For many of us across the globe it is a tradition to ring in the New Year with our belts loosened and seams bursting. Read on for 5 reasons why it is so easy to gain weight during the month of December, and what you can do to avoid them!

REASON #1: Have Yourself a Merry Little Eggnog

What tastes better on a cold December day than a mug of Hot Cocoa, Spiced Apple Cider, or Rich Eggnog? The holidays are filled with occasions for us to congregate and indulge in calorie packed beverages. An average glass of Eggnog packs over 340 calories and close to 20 grams of fat! Drinking just 10 glasses of Eggnog during the month of December will result in a 1 lb weight gain! This year steer clear of the calorie filled beverages and stick to drinking water.

REASON #2: Deck The Halls with Boughs of Finger Food

You can see it now, the appetizer table at your Holiday Party! Mountains of fried finger foods, plates filled with rich cheeses, colorful deviled eggs, and best of all, the selection of gourmet sausage. Mingling with friends turns to circling the finger foods, grazing like it is your last meal. This year take a plate and fill it once. No seconds, thirds, fourths…you get the idea.

REASON #3: Here Comes Santa Claus – And He’s Bringing Cookies

People love to give gifts around the holidays and many of these gifts are edible! Who doesn’t enjoy receiving homemade fudge or fruitcake from their Aunt Gertrude? The problem lies in our attempt to eat ALL of the edible holiday offerings before it is time to take down the tree. Enjoy edible gifts in moderation, and don’t overeat simply because the food is available.

REASON #4: All I Want for Christmas is My Sweet Tooth

Gingerbread cookies, spiced cakes, and truffles are all abundant during the month of December. Far too abundant! Limit your sweet tooth to a couple sugar selections each week and save yourself from the extra, empty calories!

REASON #5: Away in a Manger, No Time for the Gym

Shopping, wrapping, baking, gatherings…and you want me to go to the gym? The holidays are the easiest time to put off working out. Sweating in the gym almost seems masochistic when your other option is to be curled up in front of the Christmas tree with a plate of cookies in your lap! This year factor your workouts into your schedule and stick to it. Make sure that at minimum you are still getting a cardiovascular workout in 3 times a week.

Take time to integrate these tips into your busy December schedule, and I am sure that you will be thanking yourself come the New Year! I wish you all Happy Holidays!