The holidays can be a double-edged sword if you are trying to lose weight. One part of me LOVES everything about this season. The other side of me dreads the weight I usually gain during the holidays. I can make healthy Weight Watchers recipes for days on end and then blow it all on Thanksgiving or Christmas. These tips for staying on plan during the holidays are as much for me as they are for you, LOL!
Tips for Staying on Plan During the Holidays
Don't Quit Before You've Started
Have you ever quit something before you really started? Um…I am guilty of doing this and I know a lot of people who have done it too.
There have been times I have thought that it wasn't even worth trying to stick to the plan during Thanksgiving and Christmas so I will just give up and not try. This is one of the worst things I can do for my weight loss goals.
It is important to remember that there are only a few days that are really challenging. Don't throw in the towel because of a couple of hard days!
Keep Weighing In
I have avoided going to weigh ins before when I had gained weight. This usually leads me to total failure! Even if I have slipped up and eaten too much pie…I still need to go weigh in and have that accountability.
It is good to know where things stand on the scale
Take Control of the Menu
Most holiday hosts are happy if someone wants to bring MORE than is expected. If you are hosting your holiday meals it is easy to take control of the menu and offer healthier versions of favorite dishes.
If you are not hosting, then offer to bring some Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Tarts so you won't have the guilt of eating regular pumpkin pie! There are lots of healthy Weight Watchers Holiday Side Dishes that taste just as good as the original, but with fewer calories!
Set Your Expectations
Do you want to keep losing weight over the holidays or just maintain? If you set your expectations then you are more likely to meet those expectations.
If you decide in the back of your mind that you are going to gain weight over the holidays…you probably will! Set positive goals and expectations for yourself!
Do Extra Exercise
I remember one Thanksgiving getting up early and going out for a 3 mile walk in bitterly cold temperatures. This exercise got my metabolism going for the day and I didn't feel as guilty with a few splurges later on.
Plan extra exercise in the days leading up to big holiday meals. This will get your body in better condition to burn through the calories you will be eating.
Get an Accountability Partner
Accountability partners help with so many areas of life. The holidays are a great time to get an accountability partner for your Weight Watchers journey.
Set some goals with your partner and help each other stay on plan during the holidays.
Be Careful About Holiday Baking
If I have special treats sitting around the kitchen I may succumb and eat them!! People love to do special holiday baking, but it can be a disaster if you are trying to stick to your Weight Watchers goals.
If you love to do special holiday baking this would be a good time to take goodies to a family in need. Make gift baskets of your baked good and give them away!
Take a Break
Some people will not agree with this tip to stay on plan during the holidays!! Nevertheless, it helps some people to just TAKE a BREAK. I am not advocating taking a break the whole month of December!!
Instead just take a break on Christmas Day or on Thanksgiving Day…and then boom…back on track the very next day. It will be a blip in the road and it will alleviate a lot of unhealthy guilt.
Portion Control
The holidays are a special time of year and you don't want to feel deprived of eating your favorite foods. If you practice portion control it will make a big difference on the scales!
Have a small portion of your favorite foods, but don't go overboard! Grab a SMALL plate to help you accomplish this task.
Watch Your Stress Level
Stress is something that causes a lot of people to overeat. There are lots of easy ways to de-stress our lives. Watching our stress levels during the holidays can help us avoid emotional eating!
Fun Motivational Items
I love be have visual cues for motivation and encouragement. Check out these fun items to help you keep the right mindset during the holidays!
Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels Magnet
You Can Have Results or Excuses Notebook
How Do You Stay on Plan During the Holidays?
What is your favorite tip for staying on plan during the holidays? Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date with my latest Weight Watchers articles and recipes!
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