Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas season is upon us!!  But, along with the tinsel and trees comes a challenge – maintaining weight loss goals!  Veggies and fruits seem to take a backburner to sugar and flour.  This year, I want to give you take charge of your health and OWN this holiday season!  Let’s help you fa-la-lose weight during the holidays!

The festivities never seem to end; adult Christmas parties, kid’s Christmas parties, baking cookies, decorating cookies… I don’t know about y’all, but cookies are my weakness! 🍪  When I have a plan, it is WAY easier for me to eat healthy during the holidays. Here are some things that work for me: 

Christmas Parties

Of course when I am the host, it is easier to be in control of what’s available!  I always include 2-3 vegetables at each event.  A fun vegetable tray in the shape of a Christmas tree or wreath is usually a staple.  Check out this cute one by Pretty Providence!  Sometimes a salad or steamed veggies are good to include, too!

Making Cookies

Never make cookies on an empty stomach!   Ever.  Speaking from experience, you will instantly regret it.  We usually make them right after a healthy lunch with plenty of veggies.  If I can’t schedule baking right after lunch, I steam some edamame before so we don’t have empty bellies.  Since I know we will be eating more cookies than normal this day, there is no other sugar on this day. 

Plan the Sides

Yes, the main dish is center stage, but the sides count too.  Make some roasted vegetables to eat along with the main course.  Remember your plate should still be half veggies even on holidays!

Dessert

If it’s an option, eat dessert 2-3 hours after your meal.  I always glance at the desserts first.  I LOVE desserts, but know I don’t want to overeat.  So this leaves me with two options.  My preference is to eat a Christmas meal and then wait 2-3 hours until dessert.  But if this is not an option, I look at the desserts first. Decide what I want to eat and make sure I don’t overeat the main course so I still have room for dessert. 

Schedule Your Workouts

Believe me.  If they are not on your calendar, then this is the first thing that is going to get skipped in December.  Schedule time for yourself that is not negotiable.  Your health is important.  You are important.

Sweets Out of Sight

Does this sound familiar? I swear I’m not going to eat ANY cookies this year, then 10 minutes later all the cookies are gone! Stop the trend. Cookies are not off limits. Eat them in moderation. Eat them with your dinner.  Keep them out of sight, not on the counter. 

Fluids

Don’t forget your water!  You still need 8 cups of water in December.  Want something warm?  Try herbal tea!  I really like chamomile with a drop of honey. 

It is MUCH easier eating healthy during the holidays when you have a plan.  This keeps you from “falling off the deep end” every time there are temptations around.  Most importantly, remember everything is fine in moderation. 

Comment below with your favorite healthy holiday tip!

Enjoy your holidays and have a merry, healthy Christmas!