Smart Tips For Weight Loss Surgery Patients During the Holidays

Monday, 30 November 2009 08:35

The holiday season, December to New Year's, may not be a celebratory time for many people. The inability to control cravings in a sea of comfort food like turkey, pumpkin pie, and eggnog usually leads to overeating and a few gained pounds. However, there are some ways to maintain goals and keep the 'holiday weight' off without sacrificing good food and time with family and friends.

Plan Ahead

If you are going to a relative or friend's house during the holidays, send them an email or call them a few days before and ask what will be on the menu. Knowing ahead of time what you are going to encounter will help prepare you to make good choices. This can also help you plan on what type of dish you want to bring if this is what you were planning. Bringing a healthier dish if none are going to be provided (like soup or salad) is a great tactic to avoid getting stuck in a room of food that puts you and your diet in the danger zone.

Shift Your Focus

For a majority of people, food is the focus of all family get-togethers and holidays. As a weight loss surgery patient, make it your duty to change that. With obesity rates in America continuing to soar, talk to other family members or loved ones who you will spending your holidays with and come up with some other activities that make the holidays about more than just food. Themed craft projects, karaoke, board games, charades, or a White Elephant gift exchange are all great activities that everyone can look forward to instead of plowing through leftovers or waiting for the next meal to come.

Exercise Early and When You Can

If you won't be at your own house, maintain your exercise routine may be difficult, but it isn't impossible. Get up 60 minutes earlier than you need to and do strength training moves with bands, hand weights, or using your own body weight (like push-ups and sit-ups) in your room can help you stay on top of your fitness goals. If there's a gym nearby, ask if guest or one-day passes are available (24 Hour Fitness usually offers free 7-day passes). In addition, many community centers offer pay-as-you-go fitness classes, with many classes only costing $5-$7. Researching classes and places to exercise ahead of time will help keep you motivated to continue to work out even while you are on 'vacation'.

If all else fails and the weather is nice, ask others to join you on a walk around the neighborhood. You'll get a chance to check out the scenery and spend some quality time with people you don't get to see very often.

Ask Family and Friends For Support

This is the easiest way to stay on track during the holidays as a weight loss surgery patient. Reminding your loved ones about your diet and fitness goals, along with some advice on how they can make holiday dinners easier for you to participate in (by providing bariatric-friendly meals) can help everyone enjoy the holidays and make them the best that they can be.