Avoid Extra Holiday Pounds
The Holidays are here! Which means a lot of food and drinks! And everyone wants to know, how do we avoid that extra weight gain from now until January because we know it’s coming!
For Thanksgiving, I discuss with all my clients what they want to do. Do you want to stay on track or do you want to let loose and enjoy the day with your loved ones? If you choose to enjoy the day, then that’s completely fine but the very next day you’re right back on track. So DO NOT keep the left overs! Except the turkey, that’s fair game! Also, do NOT be upset if the scale goes up or beat yourself up that you gave in to temptation. If you are going to do it then accept that it will just put your goals behind for a week (or 2 depending how far you let loose were- HaHa), and it’ll be ok. The point is as long as you jump back on the wagon immediately and accept the minor delay and move on, it’ll be ok. If you choose to stay on track then my suggestions are:
Prioritize your protein- load up FIRST with the turkey. That is a lean meat and great source of protein. Protein is not an energy source and therefore does not get stored as body fat. And you essentially burn as many calories eating it as what’s in it. It’s when carbs and fats are added in that we can get into trouble with over consuming calories. So that’s usually where all those casseroles and side dishes come in.
Keep the sides to a minimum and control your portions. Aim for sides that are mainly veggies (and not covered in bread crumbs, in a sauce, soaked in cheese, or surrounded by potatoes). You can control this better if you make a veggie dish or salad to contribute to the meal. This doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself completely by eating only turkey and a plain veggie. You can get a small helping of a few of your favorite dishes (enough for a couple bites of each) and still get the enjoyment without the extra calories, and therefore the extra pounds to go with it.
Avoid the alcohol because it’s empty calories (no nutritional value), and it adds up quick. If you want a drink or two then try to avoid the high calorie sugary drinks and be mindful of those extra calories you consumed.
After Thanksgiving is when everyone dives head first into the Holiday season with all the parties and holidays themselves. The best tips for going to the parties are:
Eat before you go
Drink a lot of water
Prioritize your protein (choose protein food choices, ex meat tray)
Reduce the high carb and fat foods high in calories (dips will get ya but hit up the veggie tray!)
Portion Control
Keep alcohol to a minimum
Stand and don’t sit as much- you burn more calories
Keep a glass of water in your hand
The basic tips for heading into any of your Holiday feasts are the same as your Thanksgiving options. Make the decision which way you want to go. Enjoy it? or stay on track. If you choose to enjoy it then accept your goal timeline will be off and that’s ok, get right back on the wagon, don’t take the leftovers home. If you choose to stay on track then follow those same rules there. Prioritize your protein, aim for good veggies, and control your portions. Drink a lot of water, keep alcohol to a minimum, and move as much as you can.
The biggest tip is in-between days you’re going to these different events doesn’t mean you just eat whatever because you had one bad day so screw it til new years. That’s a whole lot of extra calories and extra pounds you’ll gain from now until then. It’s not worth all that extra work you’ll have to do to get it off! Every calorie counts! So quit adding them up and piling them on.