Everyone knows the holidays are a challenging time to try to lose weight. Between the delicious meals and seasonal treats, it's tough to stay on track – but it's not impossible.
Discipline and simple tips help you have fun during holiday get-togethers without packing on extra pounds. If you're not sure where to start, Dr. Lori Scott offers weight loss tips and treatments at her office in Kinston, North Carolina.
The holiday season is notoriously tricky for weight loss because of all the food, fun, and festivities. Most holiday gatherings focus on food and drink, making it even harder to focus on calorie counting and weight loss.
The foods many people cook during the holidays are calorie-dense and high in fat, which isn't conducive to weight loss. And don't forget all of the sugary treats and desserts.
Alcohol is another focus around the festivities, which adds empty calories, leading to weight gain. Between the food and drinks, it's hard to make it to January without a few extra pounds.
If you're determined to lose or maintain your weight over the holidays, it's not impossible. In fact, with a few lifestyle tricks, it's entirely feasible to avoid weight gain while enjoying every dinner and party.
The following are our expert tips to avoid gaining weight over the holiday season:
Loading up on a healthy breakfast is a great way to start the day and avoid excess calories later. Prioritize fruits, veggies, and lean proteins to help you stay satisfied throughout the day.
Avoid sugary and overly processed foods that provide empty calories. Try to focus on eating whole, nutritious foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Portion control is huge when it comes to holiday meals. Taking smaller servings helps you eat fewer calories, which helps you avoid weight gain.
Staying hydrated during the holidays is essential for many reasons — especially because drinking water can help you feel full and avoid overeating. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and drink a full glass before a meal to eat less.
Boozy drinks and sugary cocktails are plentiful around the holidays, but they aren't great for weight loss. Try to avoid drinking your calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Sitting around and talking among family and friends is common around the holidays, but it's essential to keep moving. Try to get in some exercise every day, even if it's just a brisk walk around the block.
A great way to stay on track during the holidays is to bring a healthy dish to dinner. Choose whole, nutritious foods to cut through all of the other heavy meals.
Another helpful tip is to avoid going to dinner parties hungry. Eat a healthy snack before heading out to prevent overeating calorie-dense foods.
A medically supervised weight loss program can provide the support you need to successfully lose weight and keep it off. Contact Lori Scott Family Care today to learn more about our effective approach to weight loss. You can also schedule a consultation online.
