How to NOT put on Weight During the Holidays

The Holiday season is now in full swing, and there are so many goodies and sweet treats everywhere you look! It can be difficult to resist all the food and drink temptations around the holidays, and of course it is fun and delicious to take part in the yummy parts of the festivities! However, very often we find that those indulgences result in unwanted added pounds when we get to January. Here are a few simple things to incorporate into your enjoyment of the holidays that can help you avoid packing on holiday weight:

Slow down!

Take time to enjoy your food! Savor each bite and take breaks during your meal to sit and notice what else you enjoy about the experience- the smells, the decor, spending time with family and friends. And take time to notice if you are truly still hungry or if you are continuing to eat just because the food is in front of you… you do not have to be a member of the “clean plate club”!

Up your Water

Most of could use a little more hydration throughout the day. Try to make it a habit to drink a full 12-16 ounce glass of water before each meal. This will help you to feel more satisfied sooner and avoid over-indulging.

Enjoy Little Tastes

Love your Grandma’s apple pie or your Aunt’s Christmas cookies? How about enjoying a bite or two of pie rather than a large slice, or one cookie instead of 4 (or more)? Those first few bites are usually the most delicious anyway!

Create Traditions not Centered Around Food

Not every holiday tradition has to involve food and drinks. How about taking a family walk to enjoy Christmas lights in your neighborhood? Or planning a create-your-own Menorah or Christmas wreath using craft items? There are so many fun (calorie-free!) community activities during this time of year that could become traditions for you and your family for years to come!

Watch the Alcohol!

Not only do beverages with alcohol contain sugars and empty calories, but the alcohol itself will decrease our inhibitions which makes it more likely that we will over-do it with snacks and treats. Be intentional about the type and number of alcoholic drinks you choose to enjoy, and don’t forget to drink water, too!

Keep Exercise in your Routine

Resist the temptation to tell yourself, “Oh, I’ll just start working out again when the holidays are over.” Even if your calendar is packed, schedule some time for exercise in your week. It’s ok if you aren’t making it to the gym or getting out to walk as much as you are used to - any amount of exercise is great for your overall health and stress relief!

All of us at Premier OB-Gyn wish you a joyous and healthy Holiday Season!

Author

R Ellen Eye, MD, FACOG Rita Ellen Eye, MD is a board-certified OB/GYN physician who joined Premier OB-Gyn in 2014. Dr. Eye is originally from Potosi, Missouri, a small town near St. Louis (and she remains a loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals!). She graduated from her high school as Valedictorian. She attended Missouri University of Science and Technology, earning her Biological Sciences degree while graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. She received her doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006. Dr. Eye went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was honored by being elected Chief Resident at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. She began her successful private practice in Texas where she lived and worked for four years before moving to Florida. She is married to husband Chet and a proud mom to a sweet daughter named Faith. Dr. Eye is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

How to NOT put on Weight During the Holidays