The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, food. But it can also be a time of potential overindulgence, especially when it comes to holiday feasts and treats. The abundance of tasty treats can easily lead to overeating, which can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. But don’t worry – I’m here to help. I’ve put together a list of the top three tips to help with how to not gain weight during any holidays, so you can enjoy the festivities without putting your health at risk.
I want to remind you that the holiday is any day that you spend with family or friends where you may be eating off of your current diet. This may be a holiday that shared with the rest of the country or world, or not. Holidays anything that you make it so this information applies to any day that changes your routine. So with that said, let’s get started!
1. Make a Plan
Before the festivities begin, make sure you take the time to plan out how much and what you’re going to eat. Yup, meal planning yet again for the win! For instance, decide in advance how many plates or servings of food you’ll eat and make a list of the foods that you want to try or don’t want to not eat. There are certain food that are just Christmas, birthdays, or Easter to me (Cadbury crème eggs, Christmas cookies, chocolate covered cherries, cake – I could keep going). You can also plan ahead by eating something light and packed full of protein and unsaturated fats (think eggs) before you go so that you don’t get hungry and end up overeating.
Or if you know that you’ll be having a particularly indulgent dish, like pie, try to balance it out by eating more vegetables earlier in the day. This way, you’ll be more mindful of the food choices you make throughout the day. Apart from this, you may also learn the easy ways to make sure you can keep your new year’s resolution so that either way, you’re prepared for the holiday season and would be able to enjoy it without guilt.
2. Avoid Skipping Meals
It seems like a good idea to skip meals before the big meal, but this could backfire. Skipping meals can lead to extreme hunger later on, which can make it harder for you to resist overindulging. So, make sure you’re eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day and not falling into the restriction and binging disorder that most Americans do during the holidays. That way, you’ll be less likely to go overboard at dinner time.
Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can also cause you to feel hungrier than usual. I usually like to carry a water bottle with me, so I’m sure to get enough. We often mistake thirst for hunger, so if you’re feeling hungry, try drinking some water first.
3. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is all about being intentional with your food choices and paying attention to your body’s hunger cues. Instead of mindlessly munching on holiday treats, take a few moments to savor each bite. Be aware of the aroma, texture, and flavor of the food. Even look around and drink and what you see with your eyes. This can help you to recognize when you’re full and stop eating before you overeat. You may also find that you enjoy each bite more and are less likely to feel guilty afterward.
I want you to enjoy the people and time more than the food and if you don’t feel good where you are, it’s OKAY TO LEAVE. And holiday is not a jail sentence. It is not your responsibility to soothe others around you if you don’t feel comfortable with where you are or who you were with. Sometimes we celebrate with others to make them feel better and that may not be your truth. I know that when I get into the situations I tend to eat food to help myself feel better at the time. It is OK to say no thank you to an invitation to a holiday gathering that you are not interested in. Especially if it will set you back in your journey to be your best self. The people who truly love you will not be offended by you not being able to make a party. And honestly, you probably will want to go to those people who won’t get upset of you don’t come. It’s those who make you feel bad about not coming that you might consider taking a break this time.
For major holidays, we are often creatures of habit. For example, I will make an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies just for three of us. I don’t necessarily need all this food so I end up making it and then it sits on the counter calling to me. Often, I find myself in front of the TV munching on the holiday treats I have made. Making smaller batches or only making the food for an event, along with avoiding eating in front of the TV or while scrolling through social media. This type of distraction can cause you to eat more without realizing it. Instead, try to enjoy your food in a relaxed environment, free from distractions.
Wrapping Up
Following these tips can help you to enjoy the holidays without overindulging. Remember, indulgence and moderation are perfectly normal — no one wants you to miss out on all the holiday treats! You may also consider joining my weight loss plans in Spokane for a sustainable approach to weight loss. Just keep in mind that it’s important to listen to your body and make mindful food choices. Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!
