Avoiding Fall Weight Gain

Summer is officially coming to an end. And, with bikini season now over, its time once again for fall fun including tailgate parties, Halloween candy, and of course, that big Thanksgiving meal. This is also the time when holiday weight gain starts happening. A candy bar here and a holiday party cocktail there before you know it, you start noticing your jeans are not fitting quite as well as they should be.

But, gaining a few extra pounds doesn't have to be an inevitable part of fall. By incorporating a few strategies into your daily routine, you can enjoy the season and remain looking your best!

Because many of us are more active in the summer and tend to eat lighter in warm weather, we are often at our lowest weight at the very start of fall. If you want to stay at this weight, it's a smart idea to record your weight to get your baseline number and then weigh yourself on a weekly basis to make sure those silent extra pounds don't begin accumulating.

With school back in session, vacations over, and holiday planning in full swing, fall can be a particularly busy time. It can be easy to overlook exercise and get caught up in day-to-day activities. However, when you consider that youll probably be eating more calories in the coming months, getting exercise scheduled on your calendar is a must for maintaining your weight. Pencil in exercise for at least three to five days a week to leverage its benefits.

The better prepared you are with nutrition, the more likely youll be able to fend off weight gain. This means planning meals and having the food on hand to prevent spontaneous, caloric slip-ups that can send your healthy diet into free fall. Having items on hand such as whole grain cereals, fruit, vegetable, nuts, low-fat dairy products, and lean meat can help you avoid heading to the fast food drive-thru window. And, having convenient, on-the-go meal options available such as a Lean1 meal replacement shake can curb hunger when you're tempted to go grab a burger and fries.

Drinking water is a must anytime of the year. Not only can staying hydrated keep your body functioning optimally, it can also help you feel better and reduce the amount you need to eat to feel full. Try drinking an 8 ounce glass of water before each meal, as well as drinking water throughout the day.

Holiday season stress can also lead to weight gain. Even with a busy schedule, it's vital to good health to take time to decompress and unwind. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, reading, or even quiet hobbies like knitting or painting can help minimize tension while helping you stay focused and centered.

Temperatures are starting to cool, the leaves are dropping, and the holidays are just around the corner. But, that doesn't mean weight gain is inevitable. With a little extra effort, you can ensure that you have a lean fall and winter so that you can start 2013 looking and feeling your absolute best!