Thanksgiving dinner means turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Christmas dinner means ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pie. And New Year’s Day means leftover ham, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pie. You get the idea. All of these foods are delicious, but it comes with a staggering calorie count. The average person gains between one and two pounds during the holidays. But, you can actually enjoy the holidays without gaining weight. Just follow these simple steps:
- Control Your Portions
Overeating during the holidays can lead to unhealthy weight gain. If you’re already overweight or obese, the extra calories can lead to a worsening of your condition. During the holidays, it’s easy to let yourself go a bit hog wild with the food. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, it is nearly nonstop eating and snacking. Although you may not be able to avoid overeating altogether, you can at least try to control your portions.
- Avoid Sugary Foods And Drinks
The holidays are a time to enjoy sweet treats and savory snacks, but these foods can impact your waistline. So, try to limit their intake. Alcoholic drinks, including beer and champagne, are also packed full of sugar. If you’re attending a party, try drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. This will help you stay hydrated and less likely to indulge in sugary drinks.
- Avoid Skipping Meals
Skipping meals or waiting too long between meals causes your body to go into starvation mode, which causes your body to store fat. Skipping meals can lead to overeating later. Your appetite will increase, and your body will crave more food. This can lead to unhealthy snacking and overeating when the next meal finally arrives. Instead, eat smaller meals throughout the day. That way, you don’t overeat. And, you help avoid that bloating feeling.
- Stay Active
Staying active during the holiday season can help to keep you from gaining weight. When you exercise, your body burns calories. It will also help you to feel more relaxed and happier. The holidays can be a stressful time of year for many people. Exercise can help you relieve your stress and help you to enjoy this time of year.
Please reach out to our practice in Wyandotte, MI, to have a consultation with our doctor, Dr. Abrahamson, for our weight loss programs. Please call us at (734) 287-3000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
