How to cheat through the holidays without gaining weight

WASHINGTON — The holiday season can be a challenge to your weight as
temptations abound at holiday parties and dinners, but there are ways to
cheat your way through the holidays without gaining a pound, says Dr. Mehmet
Oz.

TV’s Dr. Oz spoke with WTOP about some ways to you eat your way through the
season without seeing scale’s numbers increase.

Eat high-fiber snacks. Chowing down on a high-fiber snack before
going to a party or a dinner can prevent you from gorging, Dr. Oz says. He
recommends eating high-fiber crackers about 15 minutes before heading out the
door.”It will blow up like a balloon in your stomach and satiate you so you can
still eat the food, but you won’t feel ravenous toward it, which will cut back
on some of the damage you would have otherwise done.”
Add vinegar. When you eat sweets, your body has to metabolize the
sugars. Vinegar can help break down the sugars, he says.
Vinegar can be added in foods such as apple cider and salad dressings.

“If you do that and do it repetitively, it will help your body keep the sugar
metabolized rapidly rather than depositing it on your hips,” he says.
Splurge occasionally. Just because you’re trying to keep the pounds
off, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of your seasonal favorites. Indulging
once or twice a week can kick up your metabolism and help you maintain your
weight.
Dr. Oz says it’s OK to make Thanksgiving your splurge day — as well as
another day for leftovers. However, the rest of the week should be a more of a
high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.

“With that kind of program, you can enjoy the big days of the holidays and
just behave yourself a little bit outside of that period,” Dr. Oz says.

He adds that with a diet like that, “you’re not going to lose weight, but
you’re not going to gain weight either.”

The same model can be used year-round if you’re looking to maintain your
weight. This is an excellent diet for vacations as well, Dr. Oz says.
Enjoy the holidays. While the holidays are a good time to watch
what you eat, it is still important to have fun and treat yourself in
moderation.
“I’d rather you laugh and have a good time with your friends with some pie
than be dourly sitting in the corner trying to lose weight,” Dr. Oz says.
“There’s plenty of time to lose weight in the off season.”