Trying to get in shape this winter? With all the parties, dinners, and social gatherings, sometimes it’s hard to stay on track. But you CAN resist temptation! Follow these holiday weight loss tips to maintain your weight and achieve your health and fitness goals.
Holiday Weight Loss Tip #1: Find Healthy Alternatives
Do you love spending time with family on Christmas day, but dislike the fattening meal that accompanies it? Do a little research online and you can easily find healthy alternatives to your favorite recipes. You can make those butter-laden mashed potatoes slimmer, and there are plenty of suitable alternatives to that creamy, but heavy green bean casserole. Make one or two alternatives so you won’t feel guilty about indulging. There are also plenty of foods you can eat that don’t require a healthy makeover! Instead of eating dark meat turkey or fatty cuts of beef, opt for lean white turkey breast. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of fiber and vitamins.
Holiday Weight Loss Tip #2: Eat Before
Does your holiday season consist of cocktail party after cocktail party? If so, you’re likely to be tempted with mouthwatering appetizers and high-sugar cocktails. Resist temptation and eat a balanced meal before you go. Eating moderate portions of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and high fiber vegetables will help you resist the deep fried mini egg rolls, fatty deviled eggs, and other unhealthy foods served at these parties. When it comes to alcohol, stick to a maximum of two drinks. Also pace yourself by sipping water between your drinks. This way, you can still socialize and enjoy everyone’s company without sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
Holiday Weight Loss Tip #3: Indulge—Moderately
Remember holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas only happen once a year. You didn’t gain 10, 20, or 30 pounds overnight—one day of unhealthy eating won’t kill you! If you decide to indulge, keep the portion moderate. Choose one or two foods you really love, like your aunt’s pumpkin pie or your mom’s mashed potatoes, and allow yourself to splurge. Savor those foods and forget the rest!
If you find yourself going overboard, keep in mind tomorrow is a new day, and you can start fresh. Often people fall off the bandwagon during the holidays not because of a single event or dinner, but rather repeated days and weeks of noshing on unhealthy and high-calorie foods. Instead of looking at it like a giant set back, accept that you’ve fallen off track—and get back on ASAP.
Still need holiday weight loss advice? Schedule an appointment with us. DrG has plenty of ways to help you lose weight and get fit. With diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications, you can achieve a healthy weight—even during the holidays!
