Beebe Dietician Gives Advice on Dieting & Healthy Eating for the Holidays

LEWES, Del. - From the Halloween candy all the way to the New Year's champagne, this time of year is centered around foods that aren't exactly healthy. With all those goodies, it can be hard to stay committed to a healthy diet during the holidays.

But Beebe Healthcare bariatric dietician, Kim Hyatt, says it's all about balance and never encourages shying away from specific foods. It's okay to eat your favorite holiday treats, even if you are watching your weight, as long as you don't over-indulge. 

"If this is the food that you've grown up with in your family and you love that food, and this is what you see this time of year, why should you feel guilty for having that food? That's a part of who you are," Hyatt said. 

While indulgence is fine for one day, the problem is that with so many holidays just weeks apart, it turns into months of indulgence that can affect progress.

Hyatt says the key is sticking to your daily routine before and after a holiday meal. Eat a high-protein meal the morning before the big meal and stick to any exercise routine so you're not overly hungry and don't overeat later.

If you do want to maintain balance, eat proteins first and include seasonal fruits and vegetables on your plate. That can keep you from reaching only for the sweets. Note that foods high in sugar can lead to more craving that can take a while to kick.

Hyatt says this time of year is difficult not only for people on a weight loss journey, but those who struggle with food guilt and body image. Her patients often worry about how family will respond if they choose to eat healthy, or not, on the holidays. She recommends preparing answers about your nutritional choices  that you're comfortable with sharing.

As a family member, it's important to respect someone's choices, not push if they say they don't want something, and avoid comments about physical appearance.

"So, taking the focus off of the body," Hyatt said. "It doesn't have to be, 'Wow, those jeans look great on you', or 'Man you're shrinking away', or "Those are a little snugger than they were last time I saw you'. You could just say, 'Hey, I can see that you're really trying to change what you're doing and I think that's awesome'."

If you're looking to start a weight loss journey or take the next step with a weight loss surgery in the new year, more information on Beebe's Bariatric Surgery Program is on their website.