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“This time of year, our cortisol levels rise,” she said. “Stress leads to binge eating. It leads to brain fog or a lack of focus. We can find it harder to focus on a good nutrition and exercise routine.”
It calls for a change in mindset. Sarah says that this time of year just maintaining our weight is considered a victory.
“The holidays are a handful of days,” she reminds us, “not months long.”
To help maintain progress toward a healthy goal, consider bringing a healthy dish to pass, she says. Keep portion sizes top-of-mind. And perhaps most important, Sarah suggests that patients “always eat before you go to a gathering – so you aren’t hungry.”
The same food preparation and planning that works year-round will be crucial for holiday crunch time. Sarah says prepping meals ahead can relieve a lot of stress. She reminds patients that there’s a good reason to keep those healthy foods around.
“Eating healthier gives you more energy,” she says. “A poor diet or poor hydration will make you feel sluggish. Having a routine helps manage stress. ”
Plus – it feels great to know you look and feel comfortable in the outfit you choose to wear to a holiday gathering. That can be a motivating factor to stick with your personalized program.
As the candles are lit, the stockings are hung or the minutes count down to a brand new year, take a moment to step back and give yourself a little grace, too.
“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself,” Sarah says. “Have realistic goals.”
Are you looking for help to set and reach those goals? Medical Weight Loss Clinic professionals are here. Schedule your free consultation with us today at MWLC.com.