The holiday season is here! Holiday celebrations often center around food. We plan to manage our healthy meal plan during the holidays and avoid weight gain yet find ourselves in the office breakroom with a tray of cookies, opening the door to your neighbors’ famous peanut butter fudge or get an invite to go out with friends. Here are some tips to help maintain weight over the holidays:
- Eat your fruits and vegetables. Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits. They will satisfy your appetite and induce fullness.
- Keep moving. Manage your daily physical activity. Be active daily!
- Treat yourself just once a day! Enjoy that one item daily. Take a smaller serving. Cut out an extra 100 calories later in the day.
- Control the risk of temptation. Clear your home and office of tempting holiday goodies. Share any gifts of foods.
- Balance protein intake. Holiday meals tend to be higher in carbohydrates and low in protein. Include protein with every meal.
- Never go to a party hungry. Eat a serving of fruit, yogurt, or raw nuts before you leave for the party. Don’t linger over the buffet table.
- Get plenty of sleep. Those who do not sleep adequately tend to be hungrier, consume more calories and exercise less.
- Manage stress. Holidays are often stressful and stressed individuals have higher cortisol levels which is linked to increased hunger and weight gain.
Socialize with friends and family at holiday gatherings and limit access to buffet and dessert tables. Choose from the crudities tray. Happy Holidays!
Written by Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by:Michelle Treber, OSU Extension Educator, Pickaway County treber.1osu.edu
References:
Holiday Eating – Today’s Dietitian Magazine (todaysdietitian.com)
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1215p20.shtmlMay Your Holiday Season Be Light: How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain (todaysdietitian.com)
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