For many of us, the Christmas season is largely about fudge, frosted sugar cookies, pies and peanut brittle. These holiday treats not only satisfy our sweet tooth—they’re often nostalgic, and bring comfort, tradition and family to mind. And while we don’t need to completely avoid holiday desserts, there are ways to enjoy them without facing frustrating weight gain in the New Year.

Remember:

1. If you’re hosting or planning a party yourself, opt for low-fat sweets like angel food cupcakes, cranberry bread, spiced orange compote and chocolate walnut cake. Who knows…maybe one of your new, healthy offerings will become a beloved family tradition!
2. If the dessert table is full of favorites you can’t pass up, save your calories for dessert by planning to eat fewer hors d’ oeuvres and a smaller meal.
3. Limit yourself to one to two small dessert servings on special occasions, and don’t go back for seconds. During the week, allow yourself one small, sweet indulgence so you don’t crave sugar and go completely overboard.
4. Plan a physical activity after your party. Go for a walk with your family, play Wii Fit with friends or hit a relaxing yoga class. If you know you’re going to be active later, you’ll be less likely to stuff yourself before.
5. Focus on maintaining your weight during the holidays—rather than becoming disappointed when you don’t lose a drastic number of pounds.
6. Always plan ahead. As mentioned in our last blog, don’t go to parties and gatherings hungry. Instead, eat a healthy snack of fruits, vegetables and smart proteins in advance—so you’ll be less likely to gorge on desserts.

At Barker Bariatric, we wish you a joyful holiday season. We also urge you to remember that healthy eating is not about “dieting” – it’s about making lifestyle changes that improve your body image, decrease weight-related health problems and enhance your quality of life—any time of year. Call 1-888-OneDrBarker to schedule a weight loss surgery meeting or discuss innovative surgical treatment options.