Holiday celebrations are something many of us look forward to all year long, but for those trying to maintain a weight loss plan, the festivities can be a source of anxiety. So many of these events include food and, not just everyday food, but decadent favorites that are often only served during the holidays. Sticking to your weight loss plan throughout the holidays can definitely be a challenge but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips that can help you get through the season unscathed and keep your weight loss plan on track.
Portion Control
There are usually so many choices at holiday gatherings, it’s easy to overeat. After all, you want to try a little of everything. It’s important to narrow down the choices to your favorites and stick to those. Put a small portion of each on your plate and pass on the rest. This way, you can enjoy the foods you love without overdoing it. Also, you won’t end up wasting calories by trying everything and eating foods you don’t even like that much.
Use a Smaller Plate
This tactic is a great way to reinforce portion control. At holiday gatherings, there is a tendency to entirely fill our plates, especially if the meal is being served buffet-style. Limiting your portions can leave your plate looking a little empty and make you feel like you are depriving yourself. The same portions will fill a smaller plate and provide the perception that you aren’t missing out on anything.
Skip Seconds
Let’s be honest. The typical holiday meal is huge. With so much food still on the table after you’ve finished your meal, it can be tempting to go back for seconds. It can take up to 20 minutes before your body releases the hormones that tell the brain you’re full. So, if you’re contemplating seconds, wait. You will probably end up feeling full and find it easier to pass on seconds, which can lead to weight gain.
Healthy Options
Invites to holiday gatherings are often accompanied by a request to bring a dish to share. This is an opportunity to have a bit more control over what you will be eating. Make your contribution a healthy option. If possible, make a healthier version of a holiday favorite.
Limit Alcohol
If you are trying to stick to a weight loss plan during the holidays, there are a couple of reasons to limit your alcohol intake. First, the alcohol, as well as many of the cocktail mixers, are high in calories. Because most of those calories come from sugar, they are empty calories with no nutritional value. Also, too much alcohol can have you throwing caution to the wind and eating whatever you want.
Maintaining vs Losing
For those who feel the challenge might be more than they can handle, it might be helpful to adjust your weight loss goals until the holidays are over. Instead of sticking to losing a certain number of pounds each week, why not make your holiday weight loss goal not to gain any weight during the holidays?
Just about everyone, whether they’re following a weight loss plan or not, would love to be celebrating the New Year at the same weight they were before Thanksgiving. A big part of any successful weight loss plan is to set attainable goals and avoid becoming discouraged. It’s no different during the holidays.
Weight Loss Plan Management
These weight loss tips can be helpful all year long. Have you been struggling with your weight or it has begun to affect your health? If you haven’t had any weight loss 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, however, is the first step. Getting started on your weight loss journey must begin somewhere. At Vive Aesthetics and Wellness, that first step starts at your consultation. Dr. Pinto’s philosophy is to give you the jumpstart you need to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight. After all, isn’t that what you want? Why wait? Finish out the holidays armed for success.
