6 Best Holiday Weight Loss Practices
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, food. Lots and lots of food. It’s no wonder that the average person gains around 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Just because the holidays are a time for indulgence, doesn’t mean you have to let go of all your hard work and diet goals. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can enjoy all your favorite holiday foods without packing on the pounds. In this blog post, we will share 6 tips to help you stay on track this holiday season, so that you can enjoy all the festive fun without any of the guilt.
Eat from Smaller Plates
If you're looking to cut down on calories this holiday season, one simple way to do so is to eat from smaller plates. Studies have shown that people tend to eat more food when it's served on a larger plate, so by switching to a smaller plate, you can automatically consume less without feeling like you're depriving yourself.
In addition to eating from smaller plates, another tip for reducing your holiday calorie intake is to focus on filling up on healthy foods first. Start your meal with a salad or vegetable-based soup and then move on to your main course. By filling up on nutrient-rich foods first, you'll be less likely to overeat later on in the meal. And when it comes time for dessert, opt for something lighter like fruit or yogurt instead of a rich chocolate cake or pie. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy all your favorite holiday foods while still staying on track with your weight loss goals.
Avoid Taste-Testing
When it comes to holiday weight loss, one of the worst things you can do is taste-test everything as you cook. Not only will this add unwanted calories to your diet, but it can also lead to overeating. If you must taste-test, go for small samples and be sure to keep track of how many you've had. Alternatively, try waiting until after you've finished cooking to sample the food. This way, you'll be less likely to mindlessly nibble on high-calorie foods.
Share Healthy Dishes
When it comes to holiday weight loss practices, one of the best things you can do is share healthy dishes with your friends and family. This way, you can enjoy good food while also staying on track with your diet.
Some great healthy dishes to share this holiday season include roasted vegetables, lean protein-based dishes, and salads. By offering up these healthier options, you can still enjoy the holidays without jeopardizing your weight loss goals. So go ahead and share some delicious and nutritious dishes with your loved ones this holiday season!
Use the Buddy System
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress and overeating. If you're trying to lose weight or maintain your weight loss, these tips will help you stay on track.
One of the best ways to stay on track is to find a holiday weight loss buddy. This could be a family member, friend, or co-worker who is also trying to lose weight or maintain their weight loss. Having someone to support you and hold you accountable can make all the difference.
If you can't find a buddy, try joining a holiday weight loss challenge or group. There are many online challenges and groups that you can join for support and motivation.
Don't Go For Seconds
We all know that holiday weight gain is real, and it can be tough to avoid. But, one simple way to help offset the holiday bulge is to resist the urge to go for seconds. When you're at a holiday party or family gathering, fill your plate with a little bit of everything, but don't feel like you need to finish it all. And, when you're done, resist the urge to go back for more. Just by avoiding seconds (and thirds!), you can help keep your holiday weight gain in check.
Avoid Skipping Meals (Only to Eat A lot Later)
If you're trying to lose weight during the holidays, one of the worst things you can do is skip meals. You might think that by skipping meals, you'll be saving calories and will therefore be able to indulge more later on. However, this is a dangerous cycle to get into.
When you skip meals, your blood sugar levels drop and your body goes into starvation mode. This means that your metabolism slows down and your body starts to store fat instead of burning it. As a result, when you finally do eat, you're likely to overeat because your body is so starved for nutrients.
It's much better to eat smaller meals throughout the day so that you don't get too hungry. That way, when it comes time for holiday parties or big meals, you won't be as tempted to overindulge.
More Tips to Help You Keep The Weight Off
The holidays are a time for indulgence, but that doesn't mean you have to abandon your weight loss goals. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without packing on the pounds:
Stick to your regular eating schedule as much as possible. Don't let holiday parties and gatherings derail your healthy eating habits.
Fill up on healthy foods before you indulge. Eat a light salad or some fruits and vegetables before heading to a party where there will be tempting foods. This way you'll be less likely to overeat.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can quickly add empty calories to your diet and make you more likely to eat unhealthy foods. If you do drink, stick to low-calorie options like wine or light beer.
Keep moving. Make sure to stay active during the holidays so you offset any extra calories you may be consuming. Go for walks, hit the gym, or even just do some extra yard work around the house.
Don't beat yourself up if you indulge a little too much. The holidays are meant for enjoying yourself, so don't stress if you indulge in a holiday treat here and there. Just get back on track with your healthy eating and exercise habits and you'll be back on track in no time!
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time for indulgence, but it doesn't have to mean packing on the pounds. There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without going overboard. By following these six tips, you can keep your weight in check and maybe even lose a few pounds. So go ahead and indulge this holiday season, just do it in moderation!
Are you looking to lose weight (especially after the holidays)? Are you in need of weight loss medication? If so, get in touch with a weight specialist and a registered nutritionist dietitian who can help you get back on track and enjoy lasting results. Schedule an appointment right now!