Holiday Drinks Are Often Filled with Hidden Calories

Nothing says you have to reach your goal weight without making mistakes along your weight loss journey. Studies of people who lost weight and have kept it off for years recommends eating lighter but more frequent meals to curb your appetite, boost energy levels, improve mood and even speed your metabolism. When starting on your weight loss journey, don't make too many changes too quickly. Trying to dramatically improve your diet overnight can be frustrating and often leads to throwing in the towel at the first sign of the holiday cheer. Your self-talk should be that you can succeed in losing weight by taking it one step at a time and starting with the upcoming holidays. Along with watching what you eat, it is important to monitor what you do during the holidays. If you slip up, get back on track with what has been working for you.

• MANAGE LIQUID CALORIES - Holiday parties may be the only time of year that you can truly loosen up with co-workers over a festive holiday brew. While it is true that alcohol makes you drowsy, it also diminishes the quality of your sleep and can make an existing sleep disorder worse. Moreover, holiday drinks are often filled with hidden calories, so drink wisely.
• CONSUME WATER-RICH FOODS - When it comes to staying well hydrated during the winter holidays, consider stocking your refrigerator with fresh, crisp hydrating foods. Foods that are super-packed with water can help with weight control because it keeps you feeling full and flushes toxins out of your body.
• DRAW A LINE IN THE SNOW - When it is time to quit eating based on your plan, pop a sugar-free mint in your mouth. It will cleanse the taste of holiday food from your palate and curb any additional food cravings by drawing your line in the snow.
• EAT MORE FRESH FOOD - Fresh fruits and vegetables can add flavor, color and nutrients to your favorite holiday meals, snacks and treats. Eating more whole foods during the holiday can help you avoid the temptation to overindulge.
• INCLUDE HEALTHY FATS IN YOUR DIET - Fat is not the enemy when it comes to losing weight. Healthy fats (monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats) are shown to improve weight loss, especially after reducing your carbohydrate intake.
• ENJOY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY - When attending a party with friends and family, offer to bring a sharable plate of healthy food snack options. Arriving armed with fresh veggies and a low-fat dip will ensure you have a low-calorie food option to snack on without feeling deprived.
• GET PLENTY OF SLEEP - Going out more and staying up later are common sleep demons that tend to surface over the winter holidays. Unfortunately, it is not the time of year to cut back on sleep. Sleep loss can cause your body to crave high fat and sugar-laden foods highlighted by mindless eating behaviors.

The winter holiday season can be difficult when everyone around you are letting their hair down and festively partaking of food and drink. Nonetheless, there's no reason to stick your head in the sand to hide from the winter holiday season. With just a few weight control strategies, you can avoid weight gain while enjoying friends, family and a holiday feast. So, seek professional help in creating an effective winter holiday plan. Keeping your commitment to yourself is a little easier as long as you try sticking to your plan of what you have chosen to enjoy and when. Since guilt is a terrible motivator, it is important to make rules about the food you should have rather than focusing at all on the things you shouldn't eat. Instead of eliminating foods on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, make sure your eating plan starts with a big glass of water.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintenance your existing weight for the holidays, Metabolic Research Center can help. Start by checking out our amazing holiday recipes designed to support healthy weight loss and without feeling like you had to deprive yourself of all the holiday fun.