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Navigating Holiday Feasts: A Guide to Mindful Eating and Weight Management

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Holiday joy often includes indulgent meals, festive gatherings, and tempting desserts. If this season feels like a setback when it comes to maintaining or losing weight, know that a mindful approach can allow you to enjoy the celebrations while still prioritizing your health.

At Yorktown Health in Lombard, Lisle, and Vernon Hills, Illinois, we want you to maintain weight-loss wins and prevent unwanted weight gain this season. Below are some valuable tips to help you stick to your weight-management goals during the holidays and beyond.

The challenge of holiday eating

If you’re struggling to lose those extra pounds, you’re not alone. Almost 74% of adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese. 

The holiday season often magnifies this challenge, with many opportunities for overeating, irregular meal schedules, and emotional eating triggered by stress or family dynamics.

Mindful eating strategies for the holidays

You don’t have to punish yourself this season with deprivation. Consider the following mindful eating strategies to help you navigate holiday feasts with balance.

Pause before you eat

Take a deep breath and check in with your hunger level before filling your plate.

Prioritize protein and vegetables

Start with lean proteins (like chicken breast, fish, and flank steak), fruits, and veggies to help you feel satisfied while keeping calories in check. 

Practice portion awareness

Enjoy seasonal favorites, but in modest quantities. You still get the flavor of the season and don’t feel deprived. 

Slow down

Eating more slowly allows your body time to register fullness, which prevents overeating. Wait a few minutes before getting second servings.

Plan movement

Even a short walk after meals can help support digestion and keep energy levels up. This can be a good time to connect with family.

Medical support for weight management

If you’re really struggling with your weight and it’s affecting your health, lifestyle strategies during the holidays or throughout the year may not be enough to achieve lasting weight loss. If you’ve been struggling, medical support may be the next step.

At our practice, we specialize in weight management and offer advanced treatment options such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. These injectable medications can support sustainable weight loss by targeting appetite regulation and blood sugar control. 

At Yorktown Health, we carefully review your medical history and help determine if this program is right for you.

Manage your weight for the holidays and beyond

The holidays don’t have to derail your weight-management progress. With mindful eating, realistic planning, and, when appropriate, medical support, you can enjoy the season while continuing to manage your weight as part of your overall health.

Take control of your weight loss journey today and reduce your risk of future health complications. Reach out to us by phone or use our online tool to learn more about how we can support you this holiday season and beyond.

At Yorktown Health, we support all aspects of your health.