Consumer Health News

Ten surefire tips to maintain weigh loss for the Holidays

By April MacIntyre Oct 11, 2010, 20:48 GMT

Want to keep svelte like our Halloween skeleton? Watch the sugars and calories this holiday season EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE

Halloween looms, and the temptations that the festive fun-sized bags of everyone's favorite candy brings is a huge problem for anyone watching their weight.

Next up is Thanksgiving, and then the onset of my own personal demon, Egg Nog (a.k.a. Christmas milk in my house), in the markets.

We all know the drill: To keep weight off, consume less calories and exercise more.

But, the average holiday season packs on a 5-15 pound weight gain for many.  Al the insidious platters of cookies, candies, rich dishes are made with love, but the result is love handles, fupa pouches, double chins and depression.

So,  how do successful dieters stay on track? 

Here are ten free tips from Misti Gueron M.S., R.D., Medical Nutrition Therapist and Sports Dietitian for The Khalili Center for Bariatric Care in Beverly Hills, CA www.Khalilicenter.com who shared with Monsters and Critics her ways to help you maintain your diet.

1. Drink your water hot or cold, at least 8oz every hour…You will feel full faster and combat those tricky sweet cravings!

2. Have a food plan for each day…Eating at regular meal times will help you avoid unnecessary grazing!

3. Bring a colorful vegetable tray to every party you attend…If you find yourself munching, make sure it’s vegetables!

4. Don’t starve beforehand so you can treat yourself later…skipping meals slows your metabolism AND YOUR “END OF DAY’ HUNGER MAY CAUSE YOU TO OVER EAT!

5. Eat a snack high in protein before the party…A well nourished mind makes better food decisions!

6. Don’t be shy…ask the host what food will be served so you can plan accordingly!

7. Offer to bring a salad or a few side dishes...that way you are certain to have something there that is on your diet!

8. Toast most celebrations with a nonalcoholic beverage…You will preserve your motivation for healthy eating and your waistline will thank you!

9. Feeling deprived?  Allow yourself a small indulgence.  Plan those small indulgences so you don’t feel deprived the whole holiday season and your waistline won’t notice the occasional treat.

10.   Don’t beat yourself up by continuing to eat poorly if you slip…bingeing will only make you more miserable physically and mentally.