Thanksgiving has come and gone, the holiday parties are in full swing and Christmas is just days away. This can be a tough time of year for those who are trying to lose weight. We get it, there is very little joy in dieting during the holidays. If you’ve been struggling and sometimes giving in when it comes to holiday temptation, these weight loss tips can help you finish out the holidays strong and avoid the extra weight gain.
Commit to a Calorie Limit
It’s natural to indulge during the holidays but remember moderation is key. Don’t let overeating and food hangovers put a damper on your holiday spirit. Before each holiday gathering set a limit on your calorie intake. Consider traditional dishes and holiday favorites and research their calorie content. Armed with that information, make a plan and do your best to stick to it. If you veer off course, don’t be too hard on yourself. Having a guideline to follow will naturally encourage you to curb your impulse to overindulge.
Focus on Your Favorites
Once you’ve set a calorie limit, be fussy about your food choices. Search out those foods you don’t normally get during the year, the ones you look forward to during the holidays. Bypass the store-bought cookies and cake. Save those calories for a slightly smaller piece of your mom’s homemade pie. When it comes time for the main course, stick with smaller portions, especially with the mashed potatoes and homemade biscuits. This way you can strike a balance between sticking to your weight loss plan and enjoying the holiday.
Boost your Willpower
There are a few weight loss tips that can help jumpstart your willpower. Before heading out for the next holiday get together, have a healthy, low-calorie snack and a large glass of water. This will make you feel fuller and you won’t make a dash for the buffet table as soon as you arrive.
Keep Alcohol to a Minimum
Of course, skipping the alcohol altogether is the wisest choice when dieting. If you want to celebrate with a cocktail, chose a lower calorie option. Stay away from the eggnog! It can contain up to 3 times the amount of calories than a small glass of white wine or champagne. A couple of cocktails can also weaken your resolve. Stop at one and switch back to water. This will limit your calorie intake and keep you from overeating.
Beware of the Buffet
Holiday gatherings often include a buffet, which can be intimidating if you’re trying to lose weight. While it may sound silly, you can cut down on calories by not rushing to be the first in line. Approach the buffet table with a plan. Survey the options before getting in the buffet line. This will keep you from making hasty and calorie-laden decisions. Also, once most of the guests have made their way through the buffet line, it will be visually less appealing and you won’t be as anxious to try everything.
Size Matters
Instead of grabbing a dinner plate, get a dessert plate. Smaller in size, it will fill up faster. If you only allow yourself to fill your plate once, you will be pickier about your choices and you will eat less. Finger foods may appear small and portion controlled, but without the plate as a gauge, it can be easy to lose track of just how much you’ve eaten.
Weight Loss Tips and More
No matter what time of year, these weight loss tips can be helpful if you’re just starting or are already following a weight loss program. If you’ve been struggling with your weight or it has begun to affect your health and 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.
