Weight Loss News

The holiday season is upon us. The sales are about to begin, the malls are dressed in green and red and you’ve already been invited to several holiday parties. As much as I look forward to these events and times of thanksgiving, I worry. How in the world are you going to be able to avoid all the season’s calorie rich foods and enjoy the season?

I don’t mean to scare you, but the facts are great. The average American consumes about 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat over the traditional Thanksgiving dinner (and sadly that doesn’t include all the other calories you may have consumed that day). Additionally, we gain somewhere between one to two pounds over the course of the holiday season. That might sound low, but the problem is that we tend to hold that weight year after year and those pounds will start to add up and keep you from meeting (and succeeding) your weight loss goals.

 You might be strict to keeping with your weight loss plan over this holiday season – and that’s awesome! I’m with you, but the reality is that we will be confronted by deliciously rich foods and alcohol. As Americans, we come together over food and we celebrate over food. There is no way to avoid it. The best way to overcome it (and keep on track) is to acknowledge that you’ll be eating differently and plan ahead.

Here are a few holiday dieting tips to keep on track and fight the battle of the bulge this holiday season.

1. Shift from weight loss to weight maintenance.
You may think I’m going against everything I’ve ever told you. I know this sounds strange, but it’s hard to expect that you’ll continue to lose weight over the holidays, especially if you have many family dinners and holiday parties marked off on your calendar. It’s going to be hard enough to try and maintain your weight over the next few months let alone lose weight.

2. Hosting a party? Trim the calories wherever you can (but don’t sacrifice the flavor).
Help everyone around you by reducing calories where you can. You’ll be the hostess with the mostess, allowing your guests to enjoy low calorie foods without packing on the holiday pounds.

3. Plan to incorporate more fruits and vegetables than normal.
Bright is right. Incorporate as many fruits and veggies as you can over the holidays – most of the time we just want to munch along with everyone else. If you’re munching on healthy foods you’ll be less likely to gain weight.

4. Snack ahead of the party.
Of course leave room in your belly to enjoy the holiday party flavors, but do not head to your party on an empty stomach. You’ll be more likely to overeat foods that are high in fat and calories and certainly not a part of your weight loss plan.

5. Roast or Grill your food instead.
Roasting or grilling meat, veggies, seafood or potatoes is so simple and usually incorporates far fewer calories and fat. Grilling or roasting is a great way to bring out the natural flavors and sweetness of your food too. If you want to do something special, sprinkle a little cinnamon and nutmeg on your grilled potatoes – it will taste special and have far fewer calories than loading up those potatoes with butter.

6. Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts
Fruit is key with healthy thanksgiving desserts and dark chocolate is high in fat fighting antioxidants. You can also offer unsalted nuts and dried fruit to satisfy your guest’s after dinner delight. But, if you love pumpkin pie (like I do) try substituting regular evaporated milk with non-fat and top with fat-free whipped cream.