Total Access Medical - Direct Primary Care Blog

How To Not Gain Weight Over The Holiday

Posted by Total Access Medical on Dec 18, 2018

Screen Shot 2018-12-17 at 9.58.20 PMThe contents of holiday meals aren't usually part of a low-cal diet, but you can still savor your Christmas dinner and desert without falling off the weight loss wagon. Here are some tips:

1. Prep early. Cut alcohol, coffee, and red meat from your diet for a few days prior to the big event. You shouldn't starve yourself, but try to eat lighter foods and definitely limit your sugar intake.

2. Eat sensibly. Don't skimp on meals all day in order to save some room for Christmas dinner— - you'll end up overeating and doing more damage. Aim to eat something every four hours. Have an egg-white omelet for breakfast, fruit and low-fat cottage cheese midmorning, and a piece of whole-wheat toast with peanut butter a few hours before dinner.

3. Wear fitted clothing. You'll be less likely to overeat if you're not hiding beneath a loose sweatshirt and sweatpants. 

4. Go in with a plan. Fill most of your plate with healthy contents - chicken, salad, and green beans - and leave a quarter left for the fun stuff. 

5. Limit alcohol. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions, causing you to overdo it on the deserts. Limit yourself to two drinks for the night— either wine or a clear liquor— and be sure to drink lots of water in between.

6. Savor your leftovers wisely. Split what's left of your Christmas feast into individual Tupperware containers. Add a slice of chicken, some green beans, and a scoop of one side of your choosing, and then stick the containers in your freezer. You'll have an individual Christmas ready in minutes for whenever you need to fix a quick dinner. 

7. Get rid of temptations. Send your guests home with any leftover pies. 

8. Be active with family and friends. Sedentary activities, such as sitting on the couch watching sports, are common holiday traditions for many families. Inactivity may contribute to weight gain, especially when lounging around is accompanied by eating excessive amounts of food.

Doing some type of physical activity while on holiday with your family may prove to be beneficial for weight control.


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