Many of us are preparing to go ‘over the river and through the woods’ to visit family and friends during this holiday season.
But if you’re in the midst of losing weight, the upheaval of leaving the comfort of your daily weight loss routine — and being dependent upon someone else’s cooking — can be worrisome.
There are steps you can take to stay on course ─ and still be a gracious houseguest.
5 Ways to Control Your Weight During Holiday Visits
1. Accommodate yourself instead of making the host accommodate you.
It can be hard to explain post-bariatric surgery nutritional needs to some people. Talk with your host about your basic dietary program before you arrive and be sure you mention you’ll stop by a grocery store once you’re in town to pick the things you’ll need to have on hand.
2. Assess the meal before making your choices.
It can be easy to grab the first things you see at a buffet, but take the time to fill about 75% of your meal with the ‘right’ foods. Don’t deny yourself completely. Sample the indulgences, but in bite-sized amounts, which has been scientifically proven to satiate most cravings.
Another tip ─ fill up your plate with a large amount of salad to offset the smaller portions you may be choosing, so as not to attract unwanted comments about the volume of food on your plate.
3. Offer to bring or make a healthy dish.
If possible, and polite in the circumstances, offer to bring or prepare a dish that’s part of your food plan. Hosts often welcome an extra side dish or entrée.
4. Allow yourself a small treat.
It’s the holiday season and a little indulging isn’t going to kill you. When the need is strong, have a small treat.
Some people prefer just to abstain completely because they fear one treat may lead to 10 treats. This is your call to make. Discuss this situation with your doctor or dietitian. You’ll get guidance and advice based upon your particular situation.
5. Take a break to exercise.
Even in the best circumstances, traveling and visiting family can be stressful at times. But enjoying a daily run or speed walk, alone or with a friend or relative, can be a great way to enjoy some alone time or have a private chat with a loved one. Assemble a group to play a team sport or take a bike ride after a big meal.
A Little Groundwork Goes a Long Way
By laying a little groundwork beforehand, you can keep your weight loss goal in check even when you’re far from home. Take it one day at a time, one meal at a time.
If you find yourself in trouble, reach out to someone who understands your journey and can offer words of encouragement and advice. We’re always here for our New Jersey weight loss patients at Prime Surgicare.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.
I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!