It starts every year with the kids’ Halloween candy calling out to you from the pantry. You have a few candy bars or caramel apples, and you can almost feel the weight loss achievements you’ve made over the course of the year slipping into oblivion. Weight loss during the holidays is tough, but you need to realize something from the start:
Weight loss during the holidays is possible.
You don’t have to pack on the pounds going into the end of the year. There are some things you can do to keep from gaining weight during the holiday season and, believe it or not, continue toward your weight loss goals.
Here are some basic principles to keep in mind to control your weight during the holidays:
- Portion control is key. If you can control your portions throughout the rest of the year, doing it during the holidays isn’t so tough. Granted, you’re likely to be more tempted to have that second helping of mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving than you are in April, but you need to stand firm. Get a taste of all the good things you want to taste, just do it in portion amounts that are in line with your weight loss goals.
- Keep active. With the weather getting colder, the fact of the matter is that it can be difficult to keep up with your exercise routines. Don’t let it get in the way. While you probably can’t take a half-hour walk at 6 AM in late December anymore, you can certainly stop off at the gym for 30 minutes after work.
- Plan your meals. Planning meals is an essential part of weight loss, holidays or not. Plan your holiday meals accordingly. Decide ahead of time which dishes at your family’s Thanksgiving celebration you’ll avoid, such as those creamy casseroles. Plan ahead to remove the skin from your turkey. Bring a fruit salad as an alternative dessert to all of the pies on the dessert table.
- Conquer cravings. Cravings are year-round, but there are so many more yummy foods around during the holidays to be craved that it can make it tough to continue with weight loss. Figure out some alternative activities to eating in order to help deal with your cravings, such as walking on the treadmill for 10 minutes or reading a book.
- Keep at it. Chances are pretty good you’re going to goof up on your weight loss plan at least once during the holidays. When you do, you need to pick yourself up and put your nose to the grindstone. Don’t let one failure kill your weight loss dreams.
