Tips To Minimize Weight Gain This Thanksgiving Season
Feel like you experience holiday weight gain every year? Instead of accepting it, why not try approaching your holiday meals as an exercise in making smart choices and enjoying your food by using a healthy eating meal plan? Chances are you will avoid the weight gain – and still enjoy your holiday meals and activities! Even if you do not track your calories in a food journal or app, maybe it is worth doing during this classic time for overindulgence – allowing you to enjoy the season while staying on track nutritionally through moderation.
Mapping out your day of eating in a journal in the morning may provide a greater chance of sticking with the plan. For example, if you are dining out for dinner, planning out the day can help lower intake at breakfast and lunch to allow you to enjoy your dinner guilt-free. You can also “order ahead” by looking at the menu online and choosing a meal that fits your goals. You can also implement some time-restricted eating on holidays where you only consume one meal that day. This can help keep total calorie counts and guilt down by allowing some fasting time before and after this main meal. Also consider the role alcohol plays in racking up the calories during this season. Offset this by enjoying a “mocktail” with club soda and a splash or squeeze of fruit more often and save the calories and potential hangover symptoms the next day.
Also be sure to look for opportunities for exercise during this time to increase your calorie burn and help keep your focus on your health. Get a good walk or workout in the morning of your planned indulgence.
Try the healthy eating tips in the Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain photo album this holiday season.
Today’s Health Topics
Editor's Pick
Health Focus
Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A
| sponsor | ||
 |
||
|
||
|
