Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Contributed by: Alissa Penner, Coffman YMCA

Time for family, fun and a whole lot of food! The opportunities to enjoy good food are endless around the holidays. Family gatherings, work parties and a night out on the town will have you indulging a little more than usual.  Throw in the crazy to-do lists and mindless, stress eating sets in. The holidays always seem to center around good eats and it’s no wonder most of us pack on the pounds, but it doesn’t have to take the spotlight. Although its challenging, you can enjoy the holidays through determination and strategy this holiday season. 

Ways to avoid weight gain:
•    Be active
•    Drink lots of water
•    Watch the taste-testing
•    Get plenty of sleep
•    Control stress levels
•    Focus on fiber, protein, and veggies
•    Use a smaller plate for portion control
•    Plan ahead!
•    Weigh in before and after using InBody Composition Analysis Testing at the Coffman YMCA. This is a sure way to keep yourself on track. 

What is InBody Composition Analysis? It’s a method of describing what the body is made of. It's a non-invasive, pain-free analysis that sends safe, low-level currents through the body via hand and foot electrodes. The InBody measures in less than 60 seconds and gives a snapshot of your body composition in that moment in time. The test goes beyond BMI; it includes results like percentage of body fat, muscle distribution, body weight balance. These components are key in understanding more about your body. Your first initial test will reveal all you need to know to set a good diet and exercise plan to actually see results. Consistent InBody testing will give you a timeline to track your progress and watch for improvements. 

So, go ahead and enjoy the holiday festivities! You don’t have to worry about loosening your belt this year because we’ve got you covered to stay on track. Check out the YMCA of Greater Dayton, you’ll see that we have all need to do the work to not pack on the pounds. 

InBody testing is offered at the Coffman YMCA by appointment with a personal trainer to members and non-members. Testing packages are available for purchase with or without a personal training option. To schedule an appointment, call 937-886-9622 or visit www.daytonymca.org/in_body for more information.