On Maintaining A Healthy Holiday Weight

Now that Thanksgiving is almost here, many of us are about to disengage our brains and put our mouths in gear. It happens annually like the time change.

The sad reality is that with all the family dinners, parties and snacks at work, socializing with friends, it is going to be another tempting time. The battle of the bulge is on.

But it does not have to be a lose-lose situation. I have learned that I can still enjoy all the holiday treats without going completely insane and still maintain my weight.

So during these holiday challenges here are some of the things I have tried to put into practice:



Try not skip breakfast. If I don’t eat something, by the time lunch rolls around I wind up eating enough for two meals, and then a snack about an hour after that.

And while on the topic of snacks. If I miss lunch, I still try to have some kind of healthy snack every few hours during the day. I wind up eating less at the main meals this way.

When my wife and I go out to a restaurant on date night, we have started to share entrees. It makes the occasion feel more intimate also.

If I go to a holiday party, I carry some almonds, or a piece of fruit like a banana, cheese and an apple in a sandwich bag, and put them in the car. Especially when I know there is going to be chocolate goodies where I am going.

When I am at the dinner table I have tried to slow down my eating, by chewing longer, and putting the fork down between bites. Keep in mind that it takes about 20 minutes before the stomach realizes that I have started put things in my mouth. Socializing more during the meal is another good way to slow down.

When the family gets together on holidays, we all bring something to share. I try to bring something on the lighter, healthier side rather than potato chips or a cheese dip.

When I’m at the feast, I don’t pass up all the good stuff, but I do try to take a “taste” of everything, instead of making a meal of each portion. I have learned over the years that a good portion is about the size of your fist, and I use that for a guideline.

Instead of going to an event, just for the food, I try to focus on the whole gathering and socialize more throughout the event. Even though I know it is a good idea to mentally visualize myself as being successful at not overeating, it is still a challenge.

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