If there’s anything better than the holidays, it’s holiday food. From yummy family recipes to luscious desserts, the holidays are a great time to celebrate with family and friends. However, you don’t want to forget your healthy food diet and gain weight after a holiday food fest.
Holiday Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery
A bite of this, a taste of that or two servings of Grandma’s special recipe -- sound familiar? Holidays are a key time when people have problems with weight gain from overindulging. Even if your fridge is filled with the recommended weight loss foods, you will still tend to overeat at office parties and holiday gatherings. Here are some healthy eating tips you can use to keep you on track:
- Put weight loss on hold. Instead, focus on maintaining your current weight.
- Portion control. Use self-control at holiday gatherings by eating small portions of your favorite dishes.
- Eat healthy meals before the party. Many dieters fast the day before a big party only to binge on holiday foods and eat triple the normal calories allotted for the day. It’s better to have your high-protein breakfast and lunch as normal, so your hunger is not out of control.
- Drink mineral water. Instead of diving into the sugary cocktails that are loaded with calories, sip mineral water for a no-calorie way to stay full.
- Bring a healthy recipe or healthy snack. Make your favorite healthy recipe and bring it to the holiday party, whether it's a vegetable like cauliflower or broccoli or a protein dish such as baked chicken breasts. Let others enjoy what you have learned as you serve healthier alternatives.
Dieting During the Holidays Can be Done
If you get nervous thinking about upcoming holiday parties and weight gain, don’t. You can have your cake (a bite!) and eat it too, if you hold yourself accountable. Just like you started out writing down every bite you ate in a food diary, continue to do so during the holidays. Estimate the size of the bites or small servings you ate at the party, and record these calories to your daily food journal.
Did you overeat at one party? Then consider adding 15 minutes of exercise to your fitness regimen that week. That will help to burn more calories each day and get you through the holiday party season without relapsing.
Sources
UCLA Bariatric Surgery: Holiday Eating Tips.