Tips to Stay One Step Ahead of Holiday Weight Gain
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. Lots and lots of food. While it’s fine to indulge every once in a while, it’s important to not let the holiday cheer and culinary delights derail your healthy eating habits and weight loss goals. Here are a few tips to help you triumph over temptation and avoid holiday weight gain.
Don’t Starve Yourself Before the Party
While it may seem like a good idea to “save up” your calories for a big holiday feast, that’s actually a recipe for disaster. When you arrive at the party famished, you’re far more likely to make poor food choices and overeat. The result is holiday weight gain. Instead of going into the party ravenous, eat a healthy snack beforehand so you’re not tempted to fill up on unhealthy party fare.
Be Choosy About Your Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Avoiding them altogether is the best way to avoid holiday weight gain. However, if you simply can resist those delicious holiday cocktails, limit yourself to one per party and drink plenty of water. It will help you feel full, prevent overeating and avoid the dehydration alcoholic beverages can cause.
Make Healthy Versions of Your Favorite Dishes
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to abandon all semblance of healthy eating. If there’s a particular dish you love that’s traditionally high in fat and calories, try making a lighter version at home using leaner ingredients. You may be surprised at how delicious healthier versions of your favorite dishes can be!
Stay Active
It can be tough to find time to work out during the holidays, but it’s important to stay active if you want to avoid holiday weight gain. Even if you can’t make it to the gym for a full workout, try to fit in some activity where you can—take a brisk walk around the block or do a quick at-home workout video. Staying active will help offset any additional calories you consume and boost your mood during what can be a stressful time of year.
Pace Yourself
It can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to signal that your stomach is full. When you find yourself at a holiday event surrounded by tempting foods, take things slow. Fill your plate with healthier items like vegetables and lean protein. Then have just one small serving of the higher-calorie dishes. Resist the urge to go back for seconds! Take your time and savor each bite. Eating too quickly will result in consuming more food than is necessary to feel full and satisfied.
Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays are a busy time of year, so it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. If you’re trying to lose weight, that doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of all the festive foods and drinks you love. Indulging in moderation is perfectly fine; just be mindful of how much you’re consuming. And don’t beat yourself up if you do overindulge on occasion—everyone does! Just get back on track with your healthy eating habits as soon as possible.
Worried About Holiday Weight Gain?
Following these tips will allow you to relax and enjoy the holidays without worrying about your weight. Not only can these weight loss tips prevent you from gaining holiday weight, but they can be helpful all year long. If you’ve been struggling with your weight and haven’t had any success on your own, it might be time to consult with your doctor. Self-supervised weight loss plans don’t work for everyone. Your doctor can determine if a medical weight loss plan is right for you.
Long-term success will depend on permanent changes in your day-to-day life. The hardest part is the first step. Getting started on your weight loss journey must begin somewhere. At Vive Aesthetics and Wellness, that first step starts with your consultation. Dr. Pinto’s philosophy is to give you the jumpstart you need to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight. Schedule your consultation today.
