Do you have a weakness for your sister’s cherry cheesecake, Aunt Jenny’s casserole, or cousin Tom’s cookies? The holiday season is filled with tasty obstacles that can trip up your weight-loss goals. These five tips can help you get through the holiday season without gaining weight:

1. Be realistic. It’s no fun to be stressed out and trying to lose weight during the holidays. Instead, aim to hold the line at your current weight.
2. Shop smart. Celebrate the season with festive and healthy items. Look for low-fat or non-dairy eggnog, unsweetened apple cider, unsalted nuts, whole-grain crackers, fresh vegetable and fruit platters, and low-calorie dips.
3. Keep hunger in check. Have a light snack before going to a party so you won’t be famished and overdo it.
4. Enjoy yourself. Eat your favorite foods, but in small portions. Go easy on high-calorie beverages and be choosy at the buffet table—you don’t have to sample everything.
5. Make time for exercise. It’s a great way to burn calories and lower stress. Get up a half hour early so you can fit it in. Walk a few extra laps around the store while you shop. Reconnect with family by making a holiday hike or post-meal walk a new tradition.

If you do overindulge, don’t dwell on it. Just get back to your exercise and eating plan the next day. With a little care, you can enjoy that cheesecake without having to loosen your belt a notch. Looking to start a wellness and weightloss program? Visit SBL Wellness and Weight Loss program

Sources:

5 Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/holidays-healthy-eating.html.

5 Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Without Gaining Weight. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. www.eatright.org/health/lifestyle/holidays/how-to-enjoy-the-holiday-without-the-weight-gain.

7 Excuses to Overindulge, and How to Take Control. American Heart Association. www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/top-7-excuses-to-overindulge-and-how-to-take-control.

10 Tips: Make Healthier Holiday Choices. U.S. Department of Agriculture. www.choosemyplate.gov/ten-tips-make-healthier-holiday-choices.

Holiday Eating Can Stay Under Control with Simple Strategies. American Heart Association. www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/21/holiday-eating-can-stay-under-control-with-simple-strategies.