It may feel like a relief now that the Thanksgiving feasting-frenzy is in the review, but the rest of your holiday food favorites are right around the corner.

Rather than skip your family and friends’ holiday parties so you can stick to your weight loss plan, you need to make sure you have a practical strategy for staying healthy during the holidays.

Here are some of our top tips to help you stay healthy this holiday season.

 

Focus on the people and memories, not the food

Ideally, the holidays should be less about eating, and more about the people you spend them with.

To make this year especially memorable, try planning more active activities throughout the season. If it’s too cold to go outside, there are plenty of indoor activities that can get your heart pumping. Give any of the following activities a go:

• Bowling
• Ice skating
• Pickleball

If the cold doesn’t bother you, take a brisk walk or go caroling with your friends and family. This works even better if you live in a milder or warmer region.

Choosing healthier winter activities is a great way to bring your friends and family closer together. You’ll make wonderful memories and maybe even a few new traditions for future holidays.

 

Bring your own food

Tasty temptations are around every corner at holiday parties and get-togethers. You can’t force your family and friends to bring healthy foods, but you can bring your own healthy alternatives. Volunteer to bring the fruit and/or veggie tray to avoid keeping extra sweets in your house this holiday season.

 

Keep your distance from the food table

When faced with tempting treats and foods you know you should avoid at holiday parties, stay far away from where the food is. Being within arms’ reach of the food table makes it easy to mindlessly snack on food. If for some reason you can’t keep your distance, chew on some gum or a mint. 

 

Drink more water

Drinking lots of water can help you stay hydrated and feel full. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, and stay away from other high-calorie drinks like eggnog.

Sip bubbly water with a lime on the side as a festive, calorie-free alternative to filtered or tap water.

Pro Tip: Keep refilling your glass of water throughout the event. Keeping a drink in your hand can help you avoid someone bringing you something you shouldn’t drink.

 

Don’t shop while hungry

Regardless of the time of year, it’s never a good idea to go grocery shopping or gift shopping on an empty stomach. The scents of Cinnabon or Auntie Annes and other food court mainstays can lure you into buying treats you don’t need. 

 

Have a happy, healthy holiday season

We hope these tips can help you stay healthy during the holidays while still giving you the freedom to enjoy your favorite traditions and the festivities.

Lifelong Metabolic is here to support you through your weight loss journey. For more healthy holiday tips or to learn more about our life-changing weight loss program, contact us today.