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The holiday season is a tempting time to indulge in all sorts of tasty seasonal food offerings. Enjoying the treats that only come around a few times every year don't have to contribute to weight gain if done properly.

Here at Auburn Chiropractic Associates, we care about every aspect of health and aim to educate all on how to achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle. It is important to consider what the body is nutritionally given when looking to maintain weight and feel good. Here are 10 ways to avoid falling victim to holiday weight gain:

Just because it is getting colder outside, doesn't mean you have to stay inside. Incorporating short brisk walks or even a family game of kickball is an easy way to burn calories and bond.

Signing up for holiday races and challenges can also serve as a fun distraction from food cravings and are active alternatives to food focused events.

Water is essential to your body's composition and function. Throughout the holiday season when yummy seasonal drinks appear, many forget the importance of staying hydrated from water. Not only is pure water healthy for your body, it is also low in calories.

As delicious as the holiday coffee, alcohol and dessert variations may be, they are often loaded with sugar and other ingredients that contribute to weight gain. Periodically choosing to drink water over other options is an easy way to give your body the nutrients it needs and help maintain your weight.

Just because you are aiming to eat healthy doesn't mean you have to put away your favorite recipes! When preparing a dish keep in mind the ingredients and amount you use. Incorporating healthy substitutions such as regular pasta too whole wheat or whole milk to fat free are simple yet effective in keeping the calorie count down and the nutritiousness up! With simple modifications you can keep your tasty treats around for everyone to enjoy.

We have all been caught going back for second and third meals at gatherings and events, but simply grabbing another roll or scoop of mac and cheese can be harmful in the long run. Getting a little bit of all that you want to taste the first go around can help to avoid second serving temptation and overeating.

Making a healthy food choice is hard when none are available. This season prepare and pack your own! Whether you are attending a cocktail with finger foods are a full work dinner, arriving with a nutritious dish in hand is a polite gesture and an easy way to ensure that you will have a healthy option to choose from.

Maintaining a consistent eating routine year-round can assist in the prevention of weight gain. When you sporadically consume meals your internal body clock can be thrown off. Disrupting the pattern that your body burns energy and food can lead to cravings, overeating and feeling run down.

Choosing the correct ratio of carbs to proteins to veggies to sweets allows you to get a taste of everything you desire while keeping your calories in check. The USDA suggests that the key to a balanced meal is to start with half a plate of veggies and fruits, a quarter of whole grains, a quarter of protein and finish with a dairy addition. Ensuring you incorporate the main food groups is necessary to feel fulfilled and full following a meal.

Eating healthy choices is only part of the challenge. Consuming reasonable portions of the foods you choose will still allow you to enjoy all of the tasty holiday offerings. Simple tips and tricks such as using a smaller plate to eat off of or one with divided sections can help to reduce over scooping and serving.

Getting proper sleep has countless benefits from boosting your immune system to helping prevent weight gain. When your body and brain lack sleep, it becomes difficult to make good decisions and fight food cravings.

Along with keeping your mind sharp, sleep can also increase your desire to exercise. Making sure to fit in at least six to seven hours of snoozing every night is an important part of making healthy food and fitness choices that are sure to keep the holiday pounds off.

Lastly, don't fight the temptation alone. Sticking to a healthy diet, choosing the more nutritious food option, and keeping up your exercise routine is difficult to accomplish alone. Recruiting a friend, coworker or family member to join the challenge will not only provide encouragement to choose the healthy option but also make you not feel alone.

We know that preventing weight during the holiday season is not an easy task but with the use of these 10 tips it is achievable. Not giving up or feeling discouraged if you choose an unhealthy option or skip an exercise session is just as important as making the healthy choice.

Auburn Chiropractic Associates is here to help in your health journey. With holistic, minimally invasive techniques, we aim to improve your overall lifestyle and support you along the way. Request an appointment today to learn more about the services we offer.