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carving a golden thanksgiving turkey
Megan Reynolds

How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight

carving a golden thanksgiving turkey
Megan Reynolds

How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight

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Originally posted on healthyhelpingsnutritionservices.com

Holiday parties are here, and as nice as it is to see family and friends, we don’t welcome the extra pounds as easily. Try these tips to avoid weight gain at the holidays:

Limit alcohol. Surprisingly, alcohol is almost as calorie dense as butter or oil. Mixed with other high calorie beverages like cream or egg nog, and you could be drinking 250 calories for each 4 ounce drink. Limit beverages to 1-2 at parties to avoid weight gain.

Look for veggies. Naturally low in calories and fat, filling up on these first can help you avoid overeating cookies or creamy dips that may ruin the progress you have already made. Choose a salad or choose from the vegetable tray as your first course to give you the vitamins and fiber you need. They will also to help fill you up and stay on track.

Look for lean meats. Choose cuts of lean meats, like chicken breast, fillet, turkey or fish when looking for an entree. Choose heart healthy cooking methods like grilled or baked to add flavor without the fat.

Make a plate. If it is a buffet style meal, make a plate. Choose a larger portion of vegetables, then lean meats, and smaller amounts of creamy or high calorie side dishes or cookies. If you are standing at a party, make a plate and avoid standing over foods and eating. Visually it may help you see what you are eating and give you more satiety. 

Stay active. Although your routine will likely be thrown off during the holidays, look for ways to add activity and burn calories throughout the day.

Looking for more advice, make an appointment today! 

About the Author

Megan Rizzi Reynolds has ten years of experience as a registered dietitian. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2004 from Kent State University. She completed her internship at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cleveland, Ohio in 2005. She completed her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 2006. Megan worked as a dietitian at the Cleveland and Cincinnati VA Medical Centers in the renal clinics, wound clinic, as well as the general nutrition outpatient clinics after graduation. She also covered the medical and surgical intensive care units. During this time, she earned her board certification as a Specialist in Renal Nutrition. In 2009, Megan worked with hospitalized patients at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN as a dietitian. While there, she gained experience in covering a general medicine floor, a cardiac floor, and the medical intensive care unit. Since moving back to Cleveland, she worked with Davita Health Care Partners for 3 years as a renal dietitian for people on dialysis. She has also had the opportunity to work in wellness areas such as teaching a Cambodian population how to integrate a healthy American diet, working as a health coach for small local businesses, providing individual nutrition counseling to help clients meet their goals. Megan has a passion for helping others improve their quality of life through nutrition and food. Please feel free to contact her with any questions, or to find out more about HealthyHELPings nutritional services.

Want to be the best parent you can be to your amazing child?

Sign up for our free trial – You get free access to our platform for 30 days (a $60 value)* – no credit card required.

What you get:

  1. Weekly personalized parent and play activities to do with your baby
  2. Your own parenting concierge to make sure you and your family are doing well
  3. Access to specialists that can help answer questions on specific child development topics 


Sign up now and we’ll send you details about the program and how to participate.

*After 90 days, a credit card will be required and you will be charged $60 per month.  There is no commitment and you can cancel anytime.

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