How to Cut Back on Sweets During the Holidays

Exercise and stay active on a daily basis throughout the holiday season., Drink water to keep your body hydrated throughout the day., Sleep for at least 8 hours per night on a consistent schedule., Eat foods rich in natural sugars as opposed to...

7 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Exercise and stay active on a daily basis throughout the holiday season.

    When you exercise, your body naturally fights cravings for sugar, junk food, and other unhealthy food and drinks you may be tempted to eat during the holidays.

    Perform at least 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week of aerobic activities.

    Examples of aerobic activities are swimming, running, cycling, or use of an elliptical training machine.
  2. Step 2: Drink water to keep your body hydrated throughout the day.

    Staying hydrated will naturally help your body curb cravings for sweets, and will also increase your metabolism.

    The average amount of water you should drink per day is 9 cups (2.12 liters) for women, and 13 cups (3.07 liters) for men. , When your body receives an adequate amount of sleep, you will naturally crave fewer sweets and junk food.

    Lack of sleep can cause your body to experience hormonal changes that can trigger cravings for sweets and other unhealthy foods. , Natural sugars such as those found in fruit are rich in nutrients that benefit your health in the long run; whereas foods with processed sugars can cause you to experience weight gain and other health problems.

    Eat your favorite fruits in place of processed sweets you may crave during the holiday season; such as cookies, cakes, pies, chocolate, and similar food items. , The natural carbohydrates often found in fruits and vegetables can boost your energy in addition to helping you curb cravings for sweets.

    Examples of fruits and vegetables high in carbs are potatoes, carrots, bananas, and oranges. , Cinnamon, raw honey, and palm sugar are examples of natural sweeteners you can use instead of processed sugar and similar food items.

    For example, use palm sugar in holiday cookies instead of processed sugar to reduce artificial sugar intake. , Instead of indulging or overeating your favorite sweets during the holidays, limit yourself to just 1 cookie, or half a slice of your favorite pie.

    Use a plate at holiday parties and gatherings to keep track of the amount of sweets you eat.

    Eating directly from the buffet table can cause you to lose track of the amount of sweets you are eating.

    For example, limit yourself to just one snack plate with a few of your favorite sweets.
  3. Step 3: Sleep for at least 8 hours per night on a consistent schedule.

  4. Step 4: Eat foods rich in natural sugars as opposed to those rich in processed sugars.

  5. Step 5: Add a higher amount of natural carbohydrates to your diet during the holiday season.

  6. Step 6: Use natural sweeteners in place of processed sweeteners in holiday foods.

  7. Step 7: Limit yourself to small quantities of your favorite holiday sweets.

Detailed Guide

When you exercise, your body naturally fights cravings for sugar, junk food, and other unhealthy food and drinks you may be tempted to eat during the holidays.

Perform at least 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week of aerobic activities.

Examples of aerobic activities are swimming, running, cycling, or use of an elliptical training machine.

Staying hydrated will naturally help your body curb cravings for sweets, and will also increase your metabolism.

The average amount of water you should drink per day is 9 cups (2.12 liters) for women, and 13 cups (3.07 liters) for men. , When your body receives an adequate amount of sleep, you will naturally crave fewer sweets and junk food.

Lack of sleep can cause your body to experience hormonal changes that can trigger cravings for sweets and other unhealthy foods. , Natural sugars such as those found in fruit are rich in nutrients that benefit your health in the long run; whereas foods with processed sugars can cause you to experience weight gain and other health problems.

Eat your favorite fruits in place of processed sweets you may crave during the holiday season; such as cookies, cakes, pies, chocolate, and similar food items. , The natural carbohydrates often found in fruits and vegetables can boost your energy in addition to helping you curb cravings for sweets.

Examples of fruits and vegetables high in carbs are potatoes, carrots, bananas, and oranges. , Cinnamon, raw honey, and palm sugar are examples of natural sweeteners you can use instead of processed sugar and similar food items.

For example, use palm sugar in holiday cookies instead of processed sugar to reduce artificial sugar intake. , Instead of indulging or overeating your favorite sweets during the holidays, limit yourself to just 1 cookie, or half a slice of your favorite pie.

Use a plate at holiday parties and gatherings to keep track of the amount of sweets you eat.

Eating directly from the buffet table can cause you to lose track of the amount of sweets you are eating.

For example, limit yourself to just one snack plate with a few of your favorite sweets.

About the Author

T

Teresa King

Committed to making crafts accessible and understandable for everyone.

79 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: