As we approach the holiday season, several of my patients in weight loss mode are experiencing anxiety about facing all the temptations that go hand-and-hand with the season. I thought it would be helpful to talk about how to enjoy the holidays while continuing to lose weight.
For many people, this time of the year brings back memories of previous holiday meals and celebrations with family and friends. And the reality is these festivities are accompanied by copious amounts of delicious food, decadent desserts and tantalizing drinks. It’s certainly no surprise that people tend to indulge (and over-indulge).
Instead of making it your New Year’s resolution to work off those extra pounds, strategize now and avoid holiday weight gain. As a result, you will be ready to welcome the new year in just a few short weeks looking great and feeling even more motivated to maintain or achieve your weight-loss goal.
So start now by bolstering your motivation to offset weight gain this holiday season. Here are a few key tips that I share with my patients:
1. At a holiday dinner, you’ll be faced with a bountiful assortment of appetizers to nibble on before the main meal. With the possible exception of a plate full of raw vegetables and a dollop of hummus, politely save your calories for a special treat that is more meaningful, like Grandma’s pumpkin pie.
2. Raising your glass may help with your holiday “spirit”, but alcoholic drinks are often very high in calories and carbs. After each drink, have a big glass of water or a club soda with lime. It will help reduce your overall caloric intake, aid in digestion and may even save you from a headache the next morning. If you must imbibe, have a glass of champagne or mix a nice wine with seltzer for a wine spritzer─more volume and fewer calories.
3. Do what thin people do… On the morning before and after a big holiday meal, work out a bit harder than usual. Researchers at Appalachian State University found that 45 minutes of rigorous exercise can raise your metabolism for up to 14 hours. This helps you naturally burn more calories than usual and you can enjoy that special meal a bit more knowing you are burning even more fuel as a result!
You can use these tips any time of year, but they’ll probably be the most useful over the next few weeks. Regardless of what happens to your weight loss strategy this holiday season, know that tomorrow is another day and that you can get back on track starting with your next meal.
Happy holidays!
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 advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon. He has advanced expertise performing the safest, most advanced laparoscopic and general surgical operations. To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732) -982-2002