By: Julia Lott, MS, RD, LD
The holidays are right around the corner.  This means spending time with family and friends, spending time cooking and baking as well as attending gatherings.  Most holiday celebrations are centered on traditional foods; Thanksgiving usually has turkey and all the sides, a customary Hanukkah menu celebrates the miracle of oil that burned for 8 nights.  As a result, a Hanukkah menu has at least a few fried items such as latkes (fries potato pancakes) and sufganiot (fried donuts).  Christmas and Kwanzaa include many delicious foods as well.  Also, let’s not forget all of the desserts!

So how are we supposed to stay on track with our weight loss plan and health goals with all this delicious food?

Maintain

Trying to lose weight during the holidays can be an uphill battle.  Maintaining your weight should be the goal during the holidays.

Nutrition

If you’re going to a get-together, try eating something before you go.  This way you won’t end up consuming as many empty calories as you would if you showed up hungry.  It’s hard to make good choices when you’re starving.  Also, fill half of your plate with veggies when choosing foods.

Exercise

Try to not to change your exercise routine.  The holidays are not only a time when we tend to over indulge on foods, but it can also be stressful.  Working out helps regulate our stress levels.

Lastly, enjoy your time with family and friends.  It’s a time to make memories and enjoy one another.  Maybe even enjoy that dessert you never get to eat.

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