When we think of the holiday season, friends, family, and togetherness are all part of the package. While holiday traditions vary from family to family and country to country, one thing is undeniably true: food is a major part of the way we celebrate, and in many cases, it’s the main event. Although this often means getting to enjoy some of our favorite foods, it can often mean we’re eating significantly more than we expected, derailing our diets in no time.
Those little indulgences here and there may seem like no big deal at first — who’s going to turn down homemade sugar cookies or a plate full of pigs in blankets at a party, anyway? — but in the long run, they can add hundreds or even thousands of calories to your weekly total. In no time at all, you might find your favorite jeans feeling less like second skin and more like a sausage casing. Luckily, preventing holiday weight gain doesn’t mean you have to skip the holiday fun; arming yourself with just a few tricks can help you keep you from acquiring a jiggly middle that would put Santa to shame. First, get to know the 42 Least Healthy Holiday Foods and make sure you’re not packing on the pounds this holiday season with the 40 Ways to Stave Off Holiday Weight Gain!