The holiday season is coming to a close, and while it is often one of the most happy and joyous times of the year, replete with gifts and good tidings, it can really also bring about some serious damage in the weight department. Calorie-loaded feasts, snacks, and treats add up to significant weight gains that last well into the New Year. So, whether you tackle your holiday weight woes now or later as your new year’s resolution, here are few simple suggestions to help you shed those pounds.

Exercise – This one is no big surprise but people seem to struggle with it the most, especially after the holidays. During that busy time of year, exercise is the first thing most people axe because they are so busy. To ensure you actually stick with an exercise regiment and don’t quit after two days, find something that you really enjoy doing. Whether it’s dancing, jogging, or kickboxing, you are more likely to stick with it if it is something you enjoy doing. Also, keep in mind that little things here and there will add up; taking the stairs rather than the elevator, parking in the back of the parking lot, cleaning house, brisk walking, even shopping (walking around the mall and carrying bags) can help you burn calories.

Drink Up! – Drink lots and lots of water and make sure you are getting at least the recommended eight glasses a day. Cut back on sugary sodas and energy drinks and replace them with water so you are not consuming so many empty calories. Drinking water can help you feel full and curb hunger when you start to feel the munchies start.

Eat Slower – Here’s an easy way to make sure you do not overeat: eat slower! Take the time to savor each bite and enjoy your meal. Doing so will allow you to eat less to fill full. Overeating occurs when you are consuming food faster than your stomach can register that it is full.

Healthier Options – In this fast-paced world, it can be hard to always make healthy food choices, especially when you are on-the-go or during work. Fast-food restaurants and sugary, high calorie snacks that you can eat on the run are substitutes for healthy meals. While you may not always be able to avoid this, try healthier options when you are forced to eat and go. Most fast-food restaurants are offering more diet-friendly options such as salads and healthy sides. Try a baked potato, salad, or chili rather than the standard burger and fries.

Energy Supplement – Try taking an energy supplement coupled with regular physical exercise and healthier eating. Doing so can help you shed pounds and reach weight loss goals faster.

Think Positive! - Focus on all the positives rather than negatives or you will never have success in losing weight. Thinking about how much you still have to lose rather than focusing on what you have already accomplished (no matter how small the amount may seem) can be destructive to your morale and negatively affect your self-esteem.

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