The year 2020 has definitely had its challenges, but eating healthy during the holidays can be exceptionally challenging. Between sugary cocktails, creamy casseroles, and decadent desserts, Americans consume thousands of calories at Thanksgiving dinner alone. Unfortunately, the temptation doesn’t end when the big meal does. The end of the year is jam-packed with family gatherings, holiday parties, and hours spent shopping at the mall surrounded by the sweet smell of Cinnabon.

Though it may feel like an uphill battle at times, maintaining your weight during holidays doesn’t have to be a struggle. Here are a few tips for clean eating to avoid weight gain this season:

1. Eat on a small plate to avoid overeating

The more food you have on your plate, the more likely you are to overeat. Using a smaller plate makes it easier to exercise portion control when it comes to enjoying your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

2. Snack mindfully

When you’re distracted by conversation, you may reach for munchies more often than you normally would. Avoid talking while grazing and be mindful of what (and how much) you’re eating to avoid overindulging.

3. Limit alcoholic drinks

Holiday cocktails made with fruit juice or syrup can be loaded with calories and sugar. Alcohol also lessens inhibitions, which can lead to snacking and indulging. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and cut back on cravings.

4. Don’t go shopping for food hungry

The mall is full of temptations. Between the endless fast food options and free samples at the cookie kiosk, shopping on an empty stomach can lead you to eat something unhealthy out of desperation.

5. Contribute a healthy dish

Whether it’s Christmas dinner or an informal game night, bringing a healthy dish to a holiday party ensures there’s something you can eat. An easy way to clean up you favorite recipes is to eliminate excess butter and oils.

6. Don’t skip meals

It may seem like a good idea to skip breakfast on Thanksgiving or Christmas to “save” your calories for dinner, but starving yourself all day will likely cause you to overeat later. Eat a healthy breakfast or drink a smoothie in the morning to stabilize your blood sugar and feel good all day.

Avoid holiday weight gain with Medarts Weight Loss Specialists

The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a great time to celebrate with family and friends. If your holiday traditions tend to involve food, seize this as an opportunity to make clean eating choices. With a few modifications to your plate, this could be your happiest and healthiest holiday season yet.

If you’re still struggling to lose weight despite adopting healthy eating habits, help is available. At Medarts, we will develop an individualized program to help you achieve your weight loss goals this holiday season and beyond. We utilize appetite suppressants and anorectics to eliminate food cravings, empowering you to cut back on the snacking and overindulging that leads to weight gain. For more information on appetite suppressants, anorectics, or any of our other weight loss solutions, contact Medarts Weight Loss Specialists at (619) 866-3333.