5 Tips for Staying on Track During the Holidays

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Bariatric Surgery, Patient Success | 0 comments

Non-surgical Weight Loss

The holiday season is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and festive meals, but at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, TN, we understand it can also be challenging for those navigating their weight loss journey. Whether you’re a recent bariatric surgery patient or considering the procedure, the holidays don’t have to derail your progress. With mindful preparation, you can stay on track while enjoying the season’s joys.

Here are some practical tips to help you manage your diet, exercise, and stress during the holidays:

  1. Plan Ahead for Holiday Meals

Holiday meals often revolve around rich, calorie-dense foods. To stay on track:

  • Bring your own dish: Prepare a healthy, bariatric-friendly dish to share at gatherings. This ensures you’ll have options that align with your dietary goals.
  • Focus on protein first: Prioritize lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or fish before sampling sides or desserts. Protein is essential for bariatric patients to maintain muscle mass and stay full longer.
  • Control portions: Use a small plate to help manage portion sizes and avoid overeating. Eat slowly and savor each bite.
  • Limit liquid calories: Stick to water or low-calorie beverages, avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol, which can add empty calories and impair your judgment about food choices.
  1. Stick to Your Exercise Routine

With busy schedules and colder weather, it’s easy to let exercise slip during the holidays. Stay active with these tips:

  • Set realistic goals: Commit to short, consistent workouts rather than long sessions. A 20-minute walk or a quick home workout can make a big difference.
  • Get creative: Incorporate physical activity into holiday traditions, like a family walk after a big meal or playing active games with loved ones.
  • Prioritize consistency: Even if you can’t stick to your usual routine, doing something active daily helps maintain momentum and combat holiday weight gain.
  1. Manage Holiday Stress

The holidays can be emotionally taxing, with family dynamics, financial pressures, and busy schedules adding to the stress. Managing your stress is crucial to staying on track:

  • Practice self-care: Schedule time for yourself to relax and recharge. This could include meditation, reading, or a warm bath.
  • Set boundaries: Don’t feel obligated to attend every event. Choose the gatherings most meaningful to you and say no to others to avoid overextending yourself.
  • Seek support: Share your goals with friends and family so they can help you stay accountable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider talking to a therapist or joining a bariatric support group.
  1. Remember Your “Why”

The holidays are full of temptations, but staying mindful of your reasons for pursuing a healthier lifestyle can keep you motivated. Whether it’s improving your health, feeling more confident, or being more active with loved ones, revisiting your “why” can help you make better choices.

  1. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s normal to face setbacks, especially during the holidays. If you overindulge or miss a workout, don’t dwell on it. Focus on getting back on track at your next meal or the following day. Consistency over time is what matters most.

At New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery, we’re here to support you through every step of your weight loss journey. The holidays don’t have to be a barrier to success—they can be an opportunity to build confidence in maintaining your new lifestyle. Together, we’ll help you stay on track and achieve your health goals this holiday season and beyond! 

If you’re just getting started on your weight loss journey, we are here to help. We invite you to learn about the bariatric process by watching our free online seminar at: https://newlifeseminar.premiersurgical.com/