It’s important to take care of yourself and stay on track during the holidays.
The holiday season is here, and with that comes plenty of temptation. Whether you’ll be attending Christmas parties, hosting family and friends, or travelling over the festive season, it’s likely that you’ll be faced with some challenges when it comes to maintaining healthy body weight. Here are our tips for sticking to healthy habits over the festive season…
Be as active as possible
One of the best things you can do to ensure that you feel good throughout the holidays is to try and get some exercise every day. While it may not be possible to stick to your usual exercise regime, especially if you are travelling, you can incorporate some activity into your day by simply taking a walk with family and friends.
Make good snack choices
While it’s very likely that you’ll be offered plenty of tempting treats throughout the festive season, try and avoid unnecessary snacking as much as possible. Keep empty calories like cookies and candy out of the house and if you do feel hungry in between meals, opt for whole foods like fresh fruits, raw vegetables, natural yoghurt and nuts.
Be mindful at meals
It’s easy to overindulge at festive events, but remember that it’s very important to watch your portion sizes at all meals. Pay attention to what you are eating, even when you are at a party or restaurant, and try to take your time — chew slowly and recognise your body’s signs of fullness before you overdo it.
Keep meals balanced
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a meal at a restaurant every now and then, or even preparing a treat at home for a special occasion. That said, it can be very helpful to keep meals balanced by incorporating protein in each dish — protein tends to keep one fuller for longer when compared with most other food groups. It’s also a good idea to make sure that you are getting plenty of fibre throughout the festive season. You can get your fibre fix by incorporating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains into your meals.
Don’t drink your calories
You may be offered an array of sweetened drinks during the holidays, but do your best to resist the temptation to drink too much sugary soda and alcohol. These types of beverages are typically high in calories and don’t provide you with any nutrients. Rather stick to water as much as possible — make it more exciting by adding some fresh fruits and berries or some mint leaves and cucumber slices.
Seek support
If you find it difficult to stick to your weight goals during the festive season, it can be helpful to speak to your partner or a close friend who may have similar goals. Having someone to support you throughout the holidays is likely to keep you feeling accountable and motivated, and it’s always beneficial to have someone with whom you can share your concerns.
If you need additional support in reaching and maintaining your weight loss goals following surgery, we encourage you to reach out to our weight loss team. The team is made up of qualified and friendly professionals who are available to help you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. As part of our care plan, you will have access to a dietician, who will help you adjust to a new diet; an exercise physiologist, who will develop a training program for you; and a counsellor, who will oversee your mental and emotional health.
To arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.