As the song goes, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” However, if you have been working hard to lose weight during the rest of the year, you may actually be dreading the holidays. With all the holiday parties, office potlucks, family gatherings, and festive feasts, the temptation to go off your diet could easily become greater than you can handle. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy the holiday season without sabotaging your weight loss efforts. We have some tips and suggestions to help you stay motivated so you’ll continue to lose weight over the holiday season. Even better, you can start the New Year off right by feeling healthier and fitter!
Several experts offer their top tips for handling holiday diet temptations in a
post by WebMD.
First off, the experts agree that having a plan in place will help you handle night after night of eating and drinking. Sticking with your plan and making your weight loss goal a top priority will help you stay on track.
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Here are some other tips they recommend:
1. Avoid extra calories by skipping food “accessories.” This includes gravy, butter, cream sauces, and whipped cream, for example.
2. Chew gum to help you resist the temptation of eating, especially when you aren’t hungry.
3. Don’t skip meals on the day of a special occasion, thinking you can eat as much as you want when you get there. According to Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, author of Diet Simple, "Eating sensibly throughout the day will take the edge off the appetite and empower a bit of restraint."
4. Alternate - or completely substitute – alcoholic beverages with calorie-free drinks or water. Alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories and should be avoided if possible.
5. Skip the appetizers altogether, unless they’re veggies. You can also get by with a handful of nuts, but be mindful of the calories.
All in all, remember this really is a fun time of year. Enjoy the time with your family and friends, and focus on the spirit of the season.
Please contact us if you have questions or want to learn more about our weight loss programs or Botox and Fillers: