Staying Slim While Traveling: Tips for Maintaining Your Weight on Vacation

When it comes to losing weight during the holidays, it’s smart to keep your expectations realistic. It’s great to aim high, but remember that this season can be pretty challenging. Most people attend at least 3-4 family or work gatherings, if not more. Think about all the delicious foods, like pies, cakes, and casseroles, you’ll come across multiple times. It’s not the best time to focus on shedding lots of pounds. Instead, aim to maintain your current weight. If you can enjoy the festivities without gaining any weight, you’re doing really well.

When you’re at the food table, keep these five tips in mind to help prevent holiday weight gain:

1. Chewing slowly is beneficial for several reasons. It aids digestion and helps you avoid choking. Also, it allows your brain to catch up with your stomach. Eating slowly helps your mind realize when you’re full, so you don’t end up overeating. Think of it as a methodical “NOM…NOM…NOM” instead of a frantic “NOM NOM NOM.”

2. The food table might seem never-ending, but you don’t have to pile everything onto one plate. Focus on picking healthier options and treat yourself to the things you love in moderation.

3. Make leafy greens your best friend. Load up on them whenever you can. Not only do they help with weight maintenance, but they also keep you full longer and prevent extra pounds around your middle.

4. As you chew slower, you’ll recognize when you’re full more quickly. At that moment, decide whether to indulge in a massive piece of cake and feel uncomfortable or just step away for a bit. The smart choice is obvious—don’t overdo it!

5. Above all, don’t stress too much about sticking to your diet while enjoying time with family and friends. Be present and savor the moment. You don’t want to be calculating nutritional stats when Cousin Carl is sharing a funny and slightly gross story. Just live in the moment!

A holiday dinner with family doesn’t have to mean inevitable weight gain. In reality, you can maintain your weight during the holidays. By chewing slowly, choosing quality foods, and living in the moment, you’ll be all set. Happy holidays, everyone!