Navigate your way from Thanksgiving through the New Year with 4 healthy tips from Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Kelly Smith, director of corporate operations for Medical Weight Loss Clinic, has heard it all.

Patients come in this time of year and tell Kelly and the Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff all sorts of things. From misconceptions like “No one stays on a diet during the holidays” to excuses including “I’m so busy this time of year, I don’t have time to think about preparing my foods.” They worry that with so many events, parties and dinners to attend, there is no way to stick to a meal plan.

Kelly Smith, director of corporate operations for Medical Weight Loss Clinic, knows how to help patients stay on track, even on Thanksgiving.

But it is possible.

“The entire weight loss industry does not shut down over the holidays,” Kelly assures us. “In fact, we work harder. We work to help create a road map for our patients to effectively get through the holiday obstacles.”

Try the following tricks to stay on track amid all the temptations and distractions this holiday season is sure to bring:

1.     Be mindful and set yourself up for success.

“Many patients find success in recognizing their sabotaging behaviors in advance,” Kelly says.

If you’re already concerned about indulging in desserts, alcohol or snacking on party foods, recognizing that behavior in advance gives you an edge to overcome it. Having a general idea of what behaviors pose a red flag to your healthy program can help you avoid that behavior before you even walk through the door.

2.     Plan it out

Those holiday parties won’t sabotage your healthy goals if you plan ahead.

Everything from your outfit to your social calendar can help you make the best decisions. Plan to wear a fitted outfit you love, and it might help you avoid overeating at the event itself.

Take a look at the holiday events you plan to attend this season. Map them out and count them up. Break down the actual number of activities and the meals that coordinate with them. 

“Is it one meal per day? Kelly asks. “One or two meals out of your week? Four or five meals out of your month? If we eat three meals per day, that is around 90 meals per month. Four or five events will not derail patients through the holidays.”

She also suggests that you approach each day in the same way - planning to eat three meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t fast on an event day because you know you’ll be tempted to eat more later. Instead, plan to eat three meals and you’ll be better equipped to stay on track.

3.     It’s not all or nothing

“Stop the ‘all or nothing’ mentality,” Kelly says. “Portion control and moderation can help when attending events. So can using a smaller plate. When filled, it gives the illusion of eating more.”

Don’t enter a social event feeling self-conscious. Enjoy connecting with  friends, family and colleagues. Focus on the people and activities, rather than the food. 

4.     When in doubt, bring a healthy dish

“Offer to bring a dish,” Kelly says. “Take a food item that’s on your meal plan. You aren’t the only one trying to navigate healthy eating during the holidays. Your peers will be happy with some healthier options.”

Need some ideas? All the flavors of Thanksgiving – and protein, too - are packed in these Sweet Potato Turkey Patties. Fill up on vegetables with this savory Wild Rice Vegetable Stuffing. No one will miss the boxed brand. Got a carb craving? Try these Mock Mashed Potatoes or Twice-Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes for a crowd-pleaser. 

If you’re looking for more support, Medical Weight Loss Clinic is ready to help.Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.

*Results may vary. Minimum purchase required. Some restrictions apply and discounts may not be used for online purchases.
When you enroll in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, the length of your program will be determined by you and the staff based on the amount of weight you want to lose and how quickly you want to lose it. Your actual weight loss will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to: your medical circumstances, the plan you choose, adherence to the meal plan and use of nutritional supplements. Your goal and program duration information will be given to you in writing at the time of enrollment. As your program progresses, the rate you lose weight may change and you will have the opportunity to discuss this at every daily visit with your weight loss consultant, where changes to your meal plan and/or program can be made.