If your family celebrates Thanksgiving, you know the feeling of almost rolling away from the table after indulging in a delicious meal. One of the best aspects of Thanksgiving is that it keeps on giving, with leftover pie, turkey, and potatoes in all forms, lingering in the fridge for days after the meal. Once the remnants of the flavor-packed holiday are out of sight, you might notice your pants are a little tighter or your midsection is a little softer than it was a few weeks ago.
Have no fear! One thing we can be thankful for in this holiday season is our body’s ability to bounce back. Although your healthy-eating streak might have bitten the dust, it’s never too late to get back on track.
There are tons of websites and TV commercials claiming they have the answer to help you “lose holiday weight gain in one week.” It’s natural for anyone to want to lose weight quickly, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says evidence shows that people who lose weight gradually and steadily (1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off.
Because the holiday season isn’t too long, losing the weight you gained isn’t as hard as trying to lose a years’ worth of bad eating. To start, you should:
- Take control of your holiday food cravings––Retrain yourself to crave food that is good for your body. Don’t worry so much about the calories to start. Just get back in the routine of choosing the healthy options.
- Monitor your portions––Use nutritional labels to make sure you are eating the recommended serving size.
- Get moving––While what you eat is important for losing the holiday weight, you must use more calories than you take in. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day can get you closer to your weight loss goals.
Remember, Thanksgiving is all about celebrating your loved ones and being grateful for all of the good things in life. Don’t feel bad about gaining weight over the holiday—it only proves that you were enjoying the important things in your life!
If you are concerned about losing weight and need more insight on where to start, talk to your doctor, check with your local hospital about a support program, or visit a nutritionist