Holiday season and New Year’s comes filled with temptations. From frying up latkes to baking cookies, the season seems absolutely characterized by overindulgence. And that can make staying on a healthy program even harder. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This holiday focus on connecting with others, rather than eating indulgent foods.
Mary Pierce, manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Ann Arbor location, is armed and ready with the best suggestions for making your way through the holidays while staying on a healthy journey. Start with the basics.
“Be sure to stay hydrated and eat on time and it will help you keep your will power intact,” Mary says. Drinking enough water and keeping to a regular schedule for meals is the foundation for success anytime. And this season, it will make all the difference.
Rene Stephan, Medical Weight Loss Clinic regional manager, agrees. Whether she’s shopping for gifts or running holiday errands, she keeps a bottle of water and some healthy snacks – like grapes or cheese sticks - handy.
“I always like to keep myself very hydrated while shopping,” says Rene. “Stores tend to be dry and wearing a mask makes it worse. Having small snacks that are easily portable keeps your metabolism working and helps you maintain energy levels for fighting the holiday crowds.”
When it comes to any sort of holiday gathering – virtual or otherwise – Mary advises planning in advance. She says focus on family and friends, not food.
“Make a visual of everyone who will be in attendance and make a point to talk with everyone,” she says. It can make it easier to avoid reaching for a tempting holiday treat.
If holiday cooking is on your agenda, focus on swapping in healthy items for those you find most tempting. Mary suggests preparing shrimp cocktail, creating a veggie tray with a cup of 1 percent cottage cheese or assembling fruit kebobs. “That way you know you’ll have something healthy to eat,” she says.
If its holiday cocktails you crave, Mary shares a recipe for a delicious non-alcoholic option that rivals a watermelon martini. Mix fresh watermelon, Diet 7-Up and a Medical Weight Loss Clinic Fiber Mixed Fruit supplement together and you’ve got a festive beverage without an ounce of guilt.
A bright, festive watermelon merry-tini is a great way to cheers to the holiday season without extra sugar, calories or alcohol.
Missing that morning coffee drink? Don’t give it up, Mary says. Just make it in a new way.
Add a Medical Weight Loss Clinic supplement in your favorite flavor – like mocha, vanilla or chocolate – and blend it right into your morning coffee. It will taste like a decadent mocha latte while providing an extra boost of protein instead of sugar or fat.
For fans of savory decadence, Mary says it’s possible to scoop on the gravy. She suggests using Medical Weight Loss Clinic chicken bouillon and cooking it in a crock pot with chopped onions. Then, blend the mixture in a blender and add in portabella mushrooms for a savory treat. Reheat the gravy in the microwave for 8 minutes anytime you want to add it to your favorite dish.
For chocolate fans, Mary says, Medical Weight Loss Clinic bars can be melted down and poured into holiday molds to create a festive treat you can enjoy while others load up on cookies or cake. You don’t have to miss out even though you’re steering clear of the dessert table or avoiding chips and dip.
Once those holiday food cravings are in check, keep it that way. Connect with others. Exchange white elephant gifts. Play charades at home (on a video call if you’re far from family). Make a DIY ornament, wreath or other holiday craft instead of baking cookies. Go caroling. Listen to music you enjoy. Play cards with a friend. This is the year to make a new tradition.
At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, we can help you navigate the holidays and beyond to reach your healthy goals. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation online or call us at 1-800-GET-SLIM.
