How can you get through the Holiday's going to all of the parties, eating all of the food and not have the weight gain?
There is a great strategy that allows you to do everything you want during these times. You can eat what you want, drink what you want and still lose weight. That strategy has 2 parts.
Part 1 is Intermittent Fasting. Most of the holiday parties are at night. The meals tend to revolve around dinner. This makes intermittent fasting ideal for these times. Do not go crazy all day every day. Wake up, drink water, wait a couple hours and then drink your coffee or tea. Around 5 hours after waking up have a small meal that is around 500 calories. I tend to drink a protein shake. But save the majority of your calories for dinner and drinks.
Part 2 is more important. Take the days that the parties are happening and do not think about not being able to eat or drink something. Eat and drink what your heart desires. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Parties, go crazy on those days. Keep it to those days.
It is when these days carry over to 2, 3, 4 days. This is how weight gain starts happening. You let yourself get out of control and you go crazy EVERY DAY.
When people say the "Holidays" they treat it as if it is a month long. It is actually only a few days. Being a Christian, I see the holidays as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. That is only 5 days. Add in 2-3 holiday parties and it is only a week but we make it 4 weeks.
To recap the best way to attack the Holidays is to have fun on the days that "excess" happens. Try to follow IF on those days. Once the day is over, leave it and get back on track. Make sure you are prioritizing hydration and sleep on the off days. I have seen people lose weight following these steps.
If you have any questions or would like help navigating these times, please reach out to me.
In Health,
Dr. Cody