Holiday Weight Gain - A gift you can certainly return
Guest Blog by: Dawn Hurlebaus
Last year in November I said to myself, “I am going to enjoy this holiday season and taste a few of the foods I normally stay away from.” In 2 months I was up 20lbs and the weight slowly kept creeping up. It was by far one of the biggest mistakes I have made since having weight loss surgery, but one that taught me a valuable lesson.
This year I have asked Santa NOT to bring me this gift! I would rather not spend the time in line trying to return it … if you know what I mean. So what am I doing to equip myself this holiday?
I am choosing to move.
One of the best ways to maintain your current weight through the holidays is to exercise! Take a walk around the block with your family and look at decorations. I am trying to walk our dog more rather than ask my kids. My focus is to just keep moving.
I am choosing to make healthy food choices.
Consult with your dietitian about the right choices for your body. I speak to mine quite often. I love that I have been able to take some of my favorite family dishes (traditional meals and desserts for the holidays) and recreate healthier versions of them.
I remember my grandmother always picking fresh berries and putting them in sweet evaporated milk and serving as a dessert. Now, I take the same berries but put them in a little vanilla protein shake. I serve and eat it the same way … in a bowl with a spoon.
I am ready!
Prepare yourself for social gatherings, family dinners, and festive holiday parties.
- Eat a healthy meal before going to holiday parties. If you’re not hungry, you’ll indulge in fewer unhealthy foods.
- Focus on enjoying the company rather than on the food. Engaging in conversation will allow you to forget (momentarily!) about the food buffet.
- Bring a dish. Volunteer to bring a few of your “bariatric friendly” dishes. You might surprise yourself and others. I can tell you I started doing this and now some of my healthy dishes have become the new family favorites.
- Use smaller plates. Don’t use big plates this year. Get smaller ones. We have a terrific resource in our community too that has beautiful tableware … Check out Livliga!
Create your own gathering
I am super excited this year to be spending time with people I care about. We are gathering for an evening social and each of us are bringing a healthy dish along with the recipe. When everyone leaves, not only will they have sampled tasty foods, but they will have a handful of new recipes to take home and make themselves.
Peace and Blessings,
Dawn
If you are interested in being a guest blogger, please contact Zach@bariatricfusion.com