With all the special events and dinners, it can be difficult to prevent holiday weight gain. Many of us struggle to resist urges to overindulge in those rolls, casseroles, and desserts. Weight Success Centers offer these diet tips to help everyone enjoy a taste of the holidays without putting on the pounds.
Put simply, sticking to a healthy diet will require a proactive approach. Start now with meal planning, swapping healthy ingredients, and mentally preparing yourself before you are at the table.
Holiday Meals and Portion Control For those needing to lose weight or wanting to avoid weight gain, portion control could be your key to success. This is extra important when preparing for holiday meals.
Whether cooking yourself or being served a feast, make it your mission to practice moderation, particularly with sweets, treats, and decadent dishes. A taste or one small serving might be okay; however, overindulging with extra helpings or getting “seconds” could lead to unwanted weight gain.
To avoid overeating – never starve yourself. Instead, fill up on healthy and nutritious items. This may include eating a healthy salad topped with lean proteins before heading to party or opting for the lighter dishes offered at mealtime.
Meal Planning Guide and Healthy Tips Generally, a medically supervised program for weight management will include a meal planning guide. Weight Success Centers’ doctors can support you with creating your customized diet plan.
Along with portion control, meal planning will usually focus on lean proteins, grains, and low-calorie fruits and vegetables. Healthy tips also include eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support digestion. For holidays and parties, try making extra efforts to make meals healthy.
For example, try these healthy tips to avoid overindulging in the wrong foods: -Snack on vitamin-rich options from a veggie platter or a fresh fruit tray. -Select white breast meat with skin removed if enjoying a slice of turkey. -Add a heap of fresh green beans, butternut squash, or other healthy sides to your plate. -Avoid dishes that are fried, coated in butter, or drenched in high-fat sauces. -Occasionally, allow yourself to savor a small serving of your favorite holiday treat.
For meal planning and cooking holiday meals, try these healthy tips to make dishes lighter: -Make healthy swaps or meatless substitutions for ingredients in traditionally high-calorie recipes. -Use skim milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk in place of high-fat whole milk. -Replace heavy creams with low-fat Greek Yogurt in dips, casseroles, and baked goods. -Substitute applesauce for oil and egg whites for whole eggs in your cookies, pies, and other items.
Finally, even if the holidays are hectic, enjoy a daily walk or maintain your regular exercise routine to prevent holiday weight gain. Consult a physician before beginning a new exercise program.
Do you want to lose weight or avoid gaining weight? Contact the physicians at Weight Success Centers for weight management and medical solutions to improve your health.