It’s the most wonderful time of the year…especially for foodies! 

Between big family gatherings and holiday parties, there’s no shortage of delicious food to indulge in. While this might be great for your tastebuds, it’s not so wonderful for your waistline. 

You’ve worked so hard all year to trim your waistline…now is not the time to set yourself backward! The good news…you can still enjoy the meals that this holiday season has to offer without destroying your health and weight loss goals. 

Today I’m sharing a few ways you avoid overeating in order to stick to your health and weight loss goals. Check out what I recommend…

Tip to Avoid Overeating #1: Know Your Trigger Foods

Some of us love sweets. Some of us love savory foods. And some of us love it all! 

It’s important to recognize what food groups you struggle with that might trigger you to overeat. Understanding your weaknesses can help you mentally prepare to tell yourself no when food is presented to you. 

For example: 

If you have a sweet tooth, a dessert bar filled with ice cream, cookies, and pies might tempt you. However, if you know this is going to be a problem, you can mentally prepare yourself. 

Perhaps you’ll tell yourself, “I will allow myself to have one slice of pumpkin pie because it is my favorite Thanksgiving treat.” Knowing your limitations ahead of time will help keep you disciplined. 

Working hard to lose weight and fix your eating habits doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of an occasional treat. It’s all about reframing your mindset around healthy eating habits and only indulging in a properly proportioned dessert every once in a while! 

Tip to Avoid Overeating #2: Log What You Eat in a Food Diary  

Writing down what you eat in a food diary is a great way to keep yourself accountable for what you’re putting into your body. 

A quick note will help you keep track of the foods you’re consuming and will alert you to whether you’re making good choices or not. For some people, having this type of visual aid is very helpful.

Tip to Avoid Overeating #3: Fill Your Plate with Veggies 

Staying on top of your weight loss goals does NOT mean starving yourself. 

If you’re hungry, eat! But make sure you’re putting healthy options on your plate. Ideally, half of your plate should contain fresh fruits and veggies.

Be careful about the veggies you’re eating, though. Around the holidays people tend to season their dishes with sugars, salts, and fats. Always opt for the choices that aren’t drenched in cream sauces and other fattening additives. 

Tip to Avoid Overeating #4: Limit Your Alcohol Intake 

Liquid calories are just as bad, if not worse, than food calories–mostly because they are difficult to track and it’s easy to drink more than you would overeat. 

An average glass of wine contains 125 calories, and a beer contains 150. If you start diving into mixed drinks those numbers skyrocket even higher! 

Feel free to enjoy your glass of wine with dinner, but after your meal switch to water for the rest of the evening! 

Tip to Avoid Overeating #5: Increase Your Protein Intake 

Eating high-protein meals helps keep you fuller for a longer period of time. When you feel full, you’re less likely to overeat. 

Having a snack that’s high in protein (such as a cup of Greek yogurt) before you attend a party is a great way to stabilize your hunger so you don’t feel the need to constantly pick and snack. 

While you’re at a party, opt for the higher protein menu items (like turkey and hard-boiled eggs) and avoid the high sugar and high carb options such as dinner rolls and sweet potato casserole. 

Tip to Avoid Overeating #6: Enlist an Accountability Partner

If you’re really struggling with overeating, having an accountability partner is a great idea!

It’s likely that you’ll have either a friend or family member that you know at a party that can help you say no when the temptation becomes too much! So, find someone you trust, explain to them your goals and your food “rules” and enlist them to keep you accountable! 

Overeating can become a problem at any time, but is especially difficult during the seasons in which we gather to celebrate over delicious meals and desserts. 

I know you have the willpower to persevere and stay on track with your goals! Follow my tips above and you’ll be able to come out of the holiday season without any guilt or regret as you work to improve your health and wellness! 

If you’re currently struggling with your weight and are looking for additional information on how to manage your health and weight loss goals, I’d love to talk with you! 

Please schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Session to discuss your weight loss goals.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours,