6 Ways to Lose Weight and Enjoy Holidays
Food is a natural part of many of our holiday celebrations as we swap cans full of cookies and fudge, load the dinner table with a delicious meal and fry New Year's in bubbles. In fact, most people are overweight during the holidays, taking about 1 pound or 0.5 pounds - including over the years, according to a study published in Physiology & Behavior.
Having said that, it is possible to stick to your weight loss goals and lose a few pounds, all while enjoying this special season using these RD-approved tips:
1 SHARE YOUR GOALS
For many of us, making sure someone has enough to eat is the language of love. But the socks are full of sweets, delivery of processed cheese and meat and reminders of "eat, eat!" your relatives are less helpful when you try to lose weight. A simple remedy to tell your family and friends about your health goal and ask for support, says Micah Siva, RD. They may agree to stick to a non-food trade or, at the very least, stop pressuring you for seconds.
2 RELEASE THE FOOD CALL
Friendly reminder: Just because someone made you a meal or gave it as a gift does not mean you have to eat it, says Julie Cunningham, RD. If you do not enjoy something (watching you, fruit and egg cake), you may feel guilty about giving it to you or throwing it in the trash, he says.
3CHANGE YOUR WAY OF WORSHIP
Instead of packing just what you need, you should try to pack extra just in case. “Prepare for the richest selection of personal parts to help you avoid extremes while making everyone feel special,” suggests Jackie Newgent, RD. For example, add a breakfast casserole to ramekin, make muffin cups, bake small pumpkin pies, or serve holiday cocktails in small, fine glasses. Buy small holiday plates this year, and you may eat 30% fewer calories, according to a study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.
4 ADD A LITTLE SPICE TO THE HOLIDAY SKILL
If you know you're going to eat cookies because, that's what you do every holiday, here's an easy way to make them taste better with fewer calories: Add 25% less sugar (Consider: 3/4 cup 1 cup recipe), then mix more flavor with vanilla extra extracted or spices such as cinnamon, suggests Newgent. Another option: Use apples instead of sugar to add fiber to the filling.
CLICK TO TWEET THIS TOPIC> Yes, you may be sticking to your weight loss goals and still enjoying the holiday season. Learn how with @MyFitnessPal. #MyFitnessPal
5 INTRODUCING NEW HOLIDAY CULTURES
Instead of thinking about how you can lose weight, ask yourself, "What can I do that will make me feel better?" suggests Siva. Adding new cultures is an easy way to escape temptation and enjoy a wonderful time with your loved ones. For example, walk around the area to see the holiday lights, play a family kickball game, or take a trip to see the magnificent views of the snowcapped mountains. "You can also give back by cleaning your house and donating food, clothing, and other items to your community or charitable organization you care about," said Siva.
6 REMEMBER THE BIG PICTURE
"The holiday season is a special time of the year, and one meal, one week, or one holiday will not interfere with your progress or goals, so be kind to yourself," said Siva. Myth: Some studies find that people who are overweight during the holidays, but who are encouraged to lose weight by weight later, can regain weight and lose weight. Stable and happy New Year's resolutions are a good way to do that.