The holidays are a time to spend with family and loved ones. They can also be a difficult time for people who are trying to lose weight or eat healthy because of the high-calorie foods and beverages that are available at holiday gatherings. World-renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Guillermo Alvarez advises that you plan ahead to avoid falling off track and undoing all the hard work you’ve done this year to improve your health. Read on to learn more.
Bring Your Own Dish
Family members may want to make the holiday dishes you enjoyed when you were a kid, and you’ll have a hard time getting them to adjust their recipes to make them healthier. Instead, bring your own dish so you can be sure you’ll have at least one healthy food item to choose from.
Don’t blame your family members if they try to get you to eat more! Come prepared and you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without sacrificing your diet.
Fill your plate with the healthiest options available, and you won’t have much room for the richer, less nutrient-dense items. If you want a taste of dessert, just remember to keep your portions reasonable.
Minimize Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
Alcoholic beverages have a lot of calories, especially if you add mixers that have sugar in them. Soda is also a source of sugar and calories that doesn’t provide any nutrients and won’t make you feel full.
Water is always the best beverage option. If you do choose to drink alcohol, make sure to have a glass of water afterward to avoid dehydration.
Plan Your Exercise Breaks
Everyone needs to take time off from exercise occasionally. In fact, your body will benefit from some recovery and rest if you consistently perform intense workouts.
The problem comes when a break of a few days turns into a few weeks or months. Many people stop exercising during the holidays because they have so many things to do that it seems easier to just start over again in January.
If you have trouble holding yourself accountable, schedule a workout with a friend or a personal trainer who will make sure you show up to exercise.
Get Active with the Family
In between meals, mix in some physical activity that the whole family can enjoy. Go for a walk together or play a friendly game in the yard. You’ll build lasting memories and also feel better when it’s time to relax and eat.
By planning ahead, you can be healthy while still enjoying the holiday seasons to the fullest.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
“Changing lives…one sleeve at a time”.
