HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN:
Remember, it is the daily decisions that add up over time that tend to weigh us down on the
scale. I would recommend if you don’t have a plan on how to get to the healthy weight you
desire, you talk with our weight loss coach at Whitacre Wellness. A good coach can help
you succeed in your goals. If you have no goals and no strategy, you are likely to end up in
a result you don’t want. Our staff loves helping people reach their health goals. With that
said, here are a few tips for the actual day of feasting that can help.
2. Remove the skin. While the skin adds great flavor and is a nice treat for special occasions, it does contain extra calories and fat – and is usually coated in butter.
3. Go light on the gravy. Gravy, depending on how it is prepared, can be loaded in fat, calories and tons of sodium. Just use a touch of it.
4. Eat before dinner. Have a healthy lunch before going to Thanksgiving dinner so that you’re not hungry. This will help prevent overeating.
5. Opt for healthy sides. Instead of going for buttery, cheesy or creamy sides, go for steamed vegetables and smarter choices.
6. Save your calories for the dinner. Appetizers, munchies and finger foods are notoriously high in calories and unhealthy fat. Moreover, they’re not filling. Save your calories for the main course.
7. Drink lots of water. Water boosts your metabolism and helps you feel full. And it’s definitely a much wiser choice than eggnog.
8. Use a small plate. Studies show that if we use a small plate, we eat less. Moreover, wait 15 minutes before going back for seconds. It takes time to feel full.
9. Talk! Instead of chowing down, take time to talk with your friends and family. By eating slower, you give your body time to digest and feel full – thereby lessen the likelihood of overeating.
10. Have a few bites of dessert. If you have room, just take a few bites of the dessert options. It will satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. And if you’re full, take your dessert to go rather than cramming it down. If the holiday is a pot luck…..you can bring a sugar-free or lower calorie treat that you know is safer to eat.
11. If it is a pot luck…..bring a big healthy salad that is yummy and good for you.
12. Don’t feel guilty. Thanksgiving only comes once a year, and if you eat a lot – so be it. All of us occasionally indulge and it’s part of creating balance in your diet. Don’t feel guilty about it – as such guilt often manifests itself as additional overeating.
13. Plan exercise into your week. The more calories we burn, the less our bodies store as fat. Also, the more muscle we have, the higher our metabolism, and our bodies are more likely to burn that dinner as fuel, rather than store it as fat.