The temptation to overeat during the holiday season is strong, thanks to goodies at the office, cookie-baking at home, and traditional meals with all the trimmings. "The holidays can be a hard time for people who are trying to lose weight and eat healthily," says Boston-based nutritionist Carolyn Hintlian, MPH, RD, LDN. "It can also be a very emotional time of year, and this can trigger increased eating." However, with the right holiday eating strategy, it's possible to make it through family feasts and parties without gaining weight.Simple Ways to Fight Holiday Weight Gain
— Be realistic. Don't try to lose weight over the holidays. "I advise my clients to focus on maintaining your weight, rather than losing weight, during this time of year. You don't want to feel deprived. Instead, look for ways to eat smart and in moderation," Hintlian says.
— How to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without guilt? "Eat small servings of foods you do like, and pass on the ones that don't really appeal to you," Hintlian advises. After dinner, do something active, like taking a walk, to work off the caloric damage.
More Ways to Curb Winter Weight Gain
— Plan ahead to avoid food temptations at the office. "It's easy to gain weight just from eating the extra calories from treats in the office," Hintlian notes. "Keep healthy snacks available to help you avoid temptation, like walnuts, almonds, or soy nuts.
— When it's cold outside, it feels good to warm our insides. "Try soup, such as pasta and beans, and add winter vegetables," Hintlian says. "Start your day with a high fiber cereal, like oatmeal. Add a sprinkle of walnuts for added protein."
— Try to work in some exercise. "Maintain some kind of physical activity, like walking," Hintlian says. An added benefit: "Taking time to exercise relieves holiday stress and helps burn extra calories from holiday eating," she adds.
