What Are The Expert-Recommended 8 Healthy Holiday Habits For Weight Loss? Here Is What To Know

You’re making an effort to stay on track with your weight reduction goals despite the abundance of stuffing, pumpkin pie, and gingerbread martinis. But where to start, alas? We comprehend this, which is why we talked to professionals who shared healthy holiday weight reduction routines you’ll want to continue with.

the positive news Incorporating a “behavioral intervention” into your daily routine over the holidays can be quite beneficial, according a research that was published in The BMJ. The study’s intervention group participants were urged to adopt a few healthy routines to prevent gaining additional weight. These included choosing low-fat foods, reading food labels, being aware of portion sizes, eating meals at roughly the same times every day, and aiming for 10,000 steps. The outcomes? The intervention group’s participants lost weight!

We’re not advocating that you give up all of your seasonal favorites. (Now that is something the Grinch would have done before he became a pro-Christmas persona!) It’s all about enjoying the seasonal flavors in moderation, keeping a positive outlook, and forming some important habits that will keep you on the right path. Continue reading to discover the experts’ top eight holiday habits for losing weight.

 

Raoul Manalac, MD, senior director of clinical experience for weight management at Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare organization with a goal of assisting patients in achieving their health goals, advises informing your loved ones in advance that you’re consciously trying to eat healthier and lose weight.

This is a pro tip that Dr. Manalac says he has given to patients and it works. “They’ve told me that simply being honest about their objectives and their motives to get healthy in advance helps take the burden off at the dinner table, and in the end helps them remain on track,” he adds.

 

The season’s numerous celebratory parties, not just the holiday itself, provide a significant challenge for some people. Both of them and the calories might add up!

“Making sure you’ve had a nutritious lunch or snack before Christmas events is one method to prepare yourself for success. Drinks with added sugar and alcoholic beverages should be avoided as much as possible while you’re there “says Dr. Manalac.

 

The award-winning registered dietitian, cookbook author, and recipe creator Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, a member of our Medical Expert Board, says that you can—and should—continue to enjoy your favorite holiday foods and indulgences. It’s all about portion management.

Manaker advises, “Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite food. Please enjoy those gingersnaps that your aunt bakes every year and that casserole your neighbor made for a holiday party,” adding, “Enjoying your favorite foods in appropriate portions can help prevent overeating in the long run. And you get to enjoy the holidays a bit more too!

The founder of GetNaked® Nutrition, Laura Burak MS, RD, and author of “Slimdown with Smoothies,” concur that moderation is key. She explains that portion control can make the holidays healthier. This advice also applies to other times of the year when food is typically more calorie-dense.

 

Burak advises picking the indulgences you believe are worthwhile and then attempting to eat as a balanced a diet as you can. Eat regularly throughout the day and don’t “save up” for the holiday meal, she advises. If you do, you’ll probably end up overeating later due to low blood sugar and hunger.

Burak offers the following example of a well-balanced plate: “Keep the heavier, creamier, butterier foods to small portions and load your plate with mostly protein (turkey, meat, fish) and vegetables. You can indulge in everything in moderation while still leading a healthy lifestyle.”

 

This one is for you if you love to shake things up and order festive beverages. The next time you go out, Manaker advises skipping the drink in favor of a celebratory mocktail.

She continues, “And when you lean on mocktails, you don’t run the risk of losing your inhibitions so you can continue to eat more mindfully.” Mocktails can be just as enjoyable as a cocktail but have fewer calories.

 

When all you want to do is watch Christmas movies while wrapped up in a huge blanket by the fireplace, it may be a real effort. But if you want to keep moving more throughout the day, it’s a need if you want to achieve your weight reduction objectives.

As stated by Manaker, “When it comes to weight loss, a little exercise can make a big difference. Simple exercises like brisk walking, spontaneous dance parties, and touch football games in the front yard can get the body moving and aid in weight loss.”

 

Burak emphasizes the significance of staying hydrated in addition to getting up and moving. In this manner, at least a few predictable daily routines can continue over the holidays. And the key to maintaining a weight loss plan is consistency.

As she puts it, “having a sense of control over some things can lead to healthier outcomes and you may end up naturally staying in a better zone this new year instead of throwing your hands up to the usual weight gain because ’tis the season.”

Above all things, remember to take care of yourself. Being gentle to yourself is the final of six holiday weight-loss behaviors. You’ve worked incredibly hard all year, and nothing you’ve accomplished will be undone by attending a few holiday events. Enjoy the holidays with your loved ones while indulging in your favorite foods, advises Dr. Manalac. Then, make a plan to keep working toward your objectives after the holidays.