As we wave goodbye to another year, the festive season is in full swing, bringing its share of joy and stress, family feasts and workplace treats. The holidays typically centre around food and for those of us on a weight loss surgery journey, this time can be a blend of excitement and apprehension. But, fear not! It's entirely possible to partake in the festive fun while staying true to your health goals. With a can-do attitude and some savvy planning, you can skip through the silly season, enjoying every bit of it while keeping your WLS journey joyously on track.
If you would rather get organised well before December, plan now, relax later is the head start version of this.
Embrace the festivities, not the diet
Let go of the notion that festive times are only about food indulgence. This season is more about being with loved ones than just the food and drink. Find joy in the company, the laughter, and yes, even the food, but in a way that respects your journey. It's about balance, not restriction. Allow yourself small indulgences and focus on the joy of the season. Food is not good or bad, and the festive table is a good place to remember that.
Sleep well, celebrate well
A good night's sleep is pivotal for making wise food choices. Ensure you're well-rested before big festive events. Rested minds make better decisions, and you'll find it easier to stick to your health goals when you're not fighting fatigue.
Remember the basics
It's tempting to forgo your usual eating habits, but try not to completely abandon the fundamentals of your post-WLS diet during the holidays. Prioritise protein, eat slowly, keep food and fluids separate, and be mindful of foods that may cause dumping syndrome. Post surgery portions is a useful refresher. Keeping these basic principles in mind will help you navigate the festive season's temptations without feeling deprived or overindulging. And don't skip meals to 'save up' for a feast. This can lead to overindulgence. Instead, listen to your body's cues, enjoy treats in moderation, and remember, regular eating patterns are your best defence against holiday overindulgence.
Keep the festive season just that, a season
It's easy to let one day of indulgence turn into a month-long spree. Be conscious of how long you let the holiday spirit derail your progress. Enjoy the special days, but remember, they are just that, special days.
Avoid the food table trap
At parties, it's easy to fall into the trap of mindless nibbling if you're stationed next to the food table. Make your plate, focusing on proteins and veggies plus a little treat, and then move away from the temptation zone! Socialise away from the kitchen or buffet table to keep grazing at bay. The same tricks work in restaurants, as 5 top tips for eating out explains.
Advocating for yourself in the face of food pressure
No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, keeping your goals in sight is essential, especially when faced with social pressures. Be prepared for well-meaning friends and family who may urge you to indulge just a wee bit more. Politely but firmly, let them know that you're fully enjoying the company and the festive spirit in your own way. A simple and effective response like, “That looks delicious, but I’m all full up, thank you,” shows that you’re content and committed to your choices. Remember, family patterns and old habits may resurface, but with a few rehearsed, respectful responses, you can navigate these situations gracefully while maintaining your health priorities.
Mindful of the merry drinks
Navigating alcohol post-WLS requires careful consideration. If you choose to indulge, opt for low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks. Get creative with festive mocktails, serving them in decorative glasses to maintain the celebratory feel. These choices help you avoid the empty calories of alcohol while still enjoying the party spirit. Plus, did you know that post-weight loss surgery, your body may react to alcohol more quickly, and your blood alcohol concentration could remain elevated for longer too? This means that even a smaller amount of alcohol can have a more significant impact than it did before your surgery and you could be over the limit after just one drink! Here is the full explanation, and healthy alcohol? covers the lower-sugar options.
Move and groove
Don't put your movement regime on holiday. Whether it's a brisk walk, a game of backyard cricket, or a sunrise beach yoga session, keeping active is not only great for your body but also uplifts your spirits. Consider new traditions like a post-meal family walk or a morning stretch session. Top tip: a short walk after overindulging on sugar and carbs will help relieve symptoms of a blood glucose slump.
Navigating food gifts with grace and wisdom
It's common to receive food as gifts at Christmas time. If you find yourself with an abundance of edible gifts, consider regifting or donating them. Share these treats in your office or bring them out when guests visit. To avoid mindless munching, keep these gifts out of sight and reach.
Be kind and keep it light
If you do dive into the festive goodies a bit more than planned, let's make a pact now not to fret over it. We're all human, and a little overindulgence never spelled disaster. Give yourself a pat on the back for joining in the fun, and then gently steer back to your healthy habits.
In conclusion
This festive season, give yourself the gift of balance. Indulge a little, laugh a lot, and cherish these special moments with loved ones. Allow yourself to enjoy the celebrations, the company, and yes, even the food, without guilt.
Remember that it's not a now-or-never situation. Declining a particular indulgence today doesn't mean you'll never say 'yes' in the future. There will always be more opportunities to celebrate and indulge mindfully. And hey, when faced with a banquet of choices, remember you're the boss of your plate. It's not about eating everything in sight, it's about savouring what truly tickles your fancy. The same thinking works at Easter and on holiday, as WLS wanderlust covers.
So, go ahead, raise your glass (of sparkling water!) to a season filled with joy, health, and happiness. Cheers to a festive period where you can have your cake (in moderation) and eat it too!