5 Tips for Navigating Holiday Feasts Without Derailing Your Weight Loss Goals

The holidays are a time of gatherings and celebrations, often meaning plenty of good food and holiday treats. Unfortunately, if you’re trying to attain a healthy weight, it can also feel like a time filled with pitfalls and obstacles waiting to throw you off track.

Losing weight definitely comes with lots of health benefits, but the path to achieving a healthy weight goal isn’t easy. The good news: With careful planning, you can still enjoy those holiday gatherings without completely derailing your weight-loss plan.

As a leading provider of custom weight-loss solutions, beYOU bioidenticals wants you to make the most of your holidays — and every day. In this post, our team offers a few simple tips to help you navigate holiday feasts and fetes with ease.

1. Do not skip meals

Skipping breakfast or lunch before a big holiday dinner might seem like a smart way to cut back on your daily calorie intake, but sadly, it’s a plan that often backfires. Skipping or skimping on early meals can leave you feeling hungry (and irritable, too), which means you’re more likely to overeat or make unhealthy food choices during your event.

Instead, use breakfast and lunch as opportunities to set the stage for a day of healthy eating. Focus on lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats to quell your appetite and maintain a steady blood sugar level, avoiding spikes that can lead to overeating. 

2. Prioritize protein

At your event, make protein the star of your healthy dinner plate. Protein helps you feel full longer, so you’ll be less likely to fill up on empty carbs and sweets. 

Once you’ve added protein to your plate, surround it with healthy vegetables and small portions of treats, like candied sweet potatoes or sauce-laden sides. That way, you’re filling up on healthy options without feeling deprived.

3. Bring a dish to share

Selecting the right foods and being mindful of portion size are the backbone of healthy eating, especially when you’re at an event or restaurant. But what if your event doesn’t offer many healthy options? Bringing a dish is a good way to ensure there’s a tasty dish you can turn to when all your other options seem risky.

Remember: Parties take a lot of planning, and some hosts may feel a little put out if you show up with a dish without announcing your plans ahead of time. Ask ahead of time, and once you get the green light, make plenty to share.

4. Hydrate wisely

Interestingly, thirst often masks hunger, which means we reach for food when what we need is a drink of water. Choose water as your drink during your meal, and sip regularly. 

If you want to indulge in an alcoholic drink, fruit punch, or eggnog, that’s fine — but alternate it with water to avoid taking in too many unwanted calories. Better still, skip alcohol and other calorie-laden beverages and opt for sparkling water flavored with a lemon or lime for a festive feel without the guilt later on.

5. Plan to indulge

You don’t have to be Scrooge when it comes to holiday meals. It’s perfectly OK to indulge a little. In fact, completely abstaining from treats could lead to bingeing later on. 

The key is to be mindful of portion sizes and choose your indulgences wisely. Zero in on the one or two foods that mean the most to you, and treat yourself to them. Making a mindful decision helps you feel satisfied without feeling restricted.

Be kind to yourself

The holidays are about enjoying good times and connecting with friends and loved ones, not about being perfect. With planning and mindfulness, you can enjoy all the holidays have to offer without sacrificing your weight-loss goals or fun.

To learn how our team can help you set healthy weight management goals tailored to your unique needs and challenges, request an appointment by phone or online with the beYOU bioidenticals team in Leawood, Kansas, today.