Today it’s a Santa-shaped cookie, tomorrow it’s an eggnog latte. With so many reasons to celebrate, the festive season can be a diet disaster. In fact, holiday weight gain accounts for half of American’s annual weight gain. And, even more sobering, that middle jiggle often sticks around for good—research shows weight gained during the holidays generally won’t be lost later.
One celebratory meal or mug of spiked punch you choose to enjoy certainly doesn’t set you up for bigger pants—it’s all of the celebrating combined, plus those little extras you don’t plan for, like the soft pretzel you grab at the mall when you’re gift shopping. This year, beat the post-holidays bulge (and still have fun!) with these festive-season survival tips.
Make a Pre-New Year’s Resolution
Commit to maintaining your weight during the six-week holiday period by sticking to your healthy eating plan. Step on the scale weekly to stay accountable to what your weight is doing.
Forecast Your Weekly Intake
Planning ahead is vital to dietary success. Look at your calendar on Sunday and see how many social events you have planned for the upcoming week. Decide which parties you can blow a few extra calories on and which meals you’ll be able to have more control over. And then follow the 80/20 principle—make 80% of your weekly meals and snacks healthy and leave room in the other 20% to include a treat. It’s a great guideline for all seasons!
Plan for the In-Between Times, Too
When looking at your week, think about how you’ll be spending the time in between calendar entries. If you’re going to an after-work celebration, consider stashing a single-serving of soup and veggies in the office fridge. Heat it up before you head out to avoid arriving at the party famished. Having a cup of miso and a handful of celery ahead of time with make it easier to skip those heavy appetizers.
Set Yourself Up for Healthy Eating
The day before your busy week kicks off, fill a container with chopped veggies and keep it front-and-center in the fridge. Hardy vegetables, like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, chopped celery, bell pepper strips, and sugar snap peas, won’t wilt and they can easily be whipped into healthy meals all week. You’ll have lunch or dinner in minutes when you scramble a handful of veggies with eggs, serve them up with canned tuna, or toss them with chickpeas for a hearty salad. Too cold for salad? Cook up a pot of wholesome, veggie-heavy soup instead.
Be Picky & Pass On Seconds
While lots of party invitations can be good for the ego, they’re not always so good for the waistline. Sometimes you just need to say no. Pick the celebrations that are most important to you, and politely decline the ones that aren’t. And don’t be afraid to say no when you’re at the party, too. It’s okay to pass on a second helping or another calorie-laden cocktail—clinking a glass filled with sparkling water and lemon slices can be just as festive.
‘Tis the season to be merry, so have fun and enjoy the holidays. Remember, It’s not the one-off holiday meals that pack on the pounds, it’s the repeated blow-outs. Be in control of the game by committing to your healthy goals, planning ahead, and arriving prepared. It’ll take a bit of pressure off your New Year’s expectations for 2016.
Are you setting a pre-New Year’s resolution? How do you plan to stay on track during all the business this month? Join the conversation below.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Tracy Morris
Tracy Morris is Fitbit’s Lead Nutritionist. With a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from South Africa, she’s also an Australian Accredited Practising Dietitian, and an international member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the US. Over the past 20 years, Tracy's lived in five different countries, inspiring people around the globe to be healthy. She currently lives in sunny Sydney, Australia where she helps Fitbit fans around the globe live their best lives. When she’s not working, running after her three young kids, or practicing pilates, she can be found sipping pinot noir with her husband watching the sun set.
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