How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holidays

Posted on October 17th, 2025

The holidays show up loud, festive, and full of food. Between the parties, travel, and cookie trays that magically refill themselves, it’s easy to lose track of what’s going into your plate or your jeans.

Still, who wants to spend the season obsessing over calories while everyone else is enjoying pie and peace?

Staying healthy doesn’t mean skipping the fun or acting like a buzzkill at dinner.

There’s a way to enjoy the celebrations without waking up in January wondering what happened. It just takes a smarter mindset, not a stricter lifestyle.

The trick? Knowing how to play it cool when everything around you is tempting. And that’s precisely what we’re getting into next.

How To Control Portions At Holiday Parties

Holiday gatherings can feel like one long buffet line. Between the baked brie, mystery casseroles, and desserts that look like they belong on a magazine cover, it’s easy to go from “just a taste” to “how did I eat that much?” That’s where portion control comes in, not to kill the vibe, but to help you enjoy what you love without overdoing it.

Start by scanning the table before piling your plate. Pick the dishes you genuinely want, and skip the ones that are just there because they always are. There’s no award for sampling everything. A smaller plate can help too. It fills up faster, which tricks your brain into thinking you’ve had more than you have. Plus, it forces you to be a little more selective with what you choose.

Watch the drinks. Liquid calories sneak up fast, and most of them won’t make you feel full. That doesn’t mean you need to ditch your favorite cocktail, but it’s smart to alternate with water. You’ll feel better, stay hydrated, and probably thank yourself the next day.

Once you’ve got your food, slow it down. Seriously. Savor each bite, notice what you’re eating, and give your body time to catch up. The more present you are, the easier it becomes to tell when you’ve had enough.

Chatting with people while you eat helps too, since it naturally paces your meal. And if you’re full, you don’t have to finish everything.

Balance doesn’t mean saying no to everything indulgent. It means knowing how to enjoy it without going all-in at every course. Load up on vegetables first, then add the heavier stuff. If you know dinner will be a calorie bomb, maybe keep breakfast lighter. Or get moving after the meal. A quick walk or family dance-off goes a long way.

You don’t need a strict rulebook to make it through the holidays without feeling like you’ve gone off the rails. Just a few small shifts in how you approach the table can make all the difference.

At Remedy Aesthetics & Weight Loss Solutions, we help clients stay consistent through the toughest seasons with strategies that fit real life, not just ideal plans.

Simple Ways To Stay Active During Family Gatherings

Holiday get-togethers aren’t just about food. They’re a perfect excuse to move a little, laugh a lot, and sneak in some activity without making it feel like a workout. The trick is to keep it light, casual, and woven into the fun.

Instead of heading straight for the couch after a big meal, find small ways to keep the energy up. You don’t need a gym or gear, just a little initiative and a willingness to get others involved. Here are a few simple ways to make movement part of the day:

• Rally a few folks for a walk around the block after dinner. It helps digestion and gets everyone chatting without hovering around the dessert table.

• Put on music and let a dance break happen. No structure or rhythm needed, just some movement and fun.

• Grab a ball and turn the backyard into a quick game of catch or touch football. Even ten minutes counts.

• Play with the kids. Seriously. A game of tag or hide-and-seek burns more calories than you think.

These aren’t about burning off calories from the mashed potatoes. They’re about staying in motion, keeping the mood light, and building memories that don’t revolve around just sitting and snacking.

Of course, staying active helps when you're trying to avoid that sluggish, over-full feeling that tends to hit mid-evening. But activity alone doesn’t cancel what’s on your plate. That’s where being intentional comes in.

Try starting with smaller portions than you normally would. It’s easier to add more than to regret going too big from the start. Load up on lighter foods first, then decide which richer dishes you actually want seconds of—if any.

Dessert doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing decision either. It can be more satisfying to take a few small bites from various foods rather than committing to a full serving of something you're only halfway into.

Same goes for drinks. A splash of something festive mixed with soda water keeps the mood going without packing on empty calories.

No one expects perfection, and the holidays aren’t the time for rigid rules. But a little planning, paired with a few active moments, can keep you grounded while still letting you enjoy the season.

Tips For Avoiding Weight Gain From Holiday Drinking

Holiday drinks tend to sneak up on people. They’re festive, tasty, and poured with a heavy hand. But while one cocktail doesn’t derail anything, five sugary concoctions in one night can start to add up faster than the dessert table. The key isn’t cutting out alcohol entirely; it’s making smarter choices without killing the mood.

Drinks often feel harmless in the moment, but they carry hidden calories that don’t fill you up or offer much nutritional value. Knowing what’s in your glass makes it easier to stay in control while still having a good time. Small tweaks can go a long way.

Here are a few tips to help you navigate holiday drinking without setting back your progress:

• Alternate every alcoholic drink with water or sparkling water to pace yourself and stay hydrated.

• Choose light mixers like soda water or diet tonic instead of sugary options.

• Mix your wine with club soda to make a simple spritzer that keeps the flavor but cuts the calories.

Drinking slower also helps. You give your body time to process the alcohol, which means you’re less likely to overdo it or wake up the next day regretting your choices. Plus, when you’re not three cocktails deep, you’re more likely to make better food decisions too.

If you’re hosting, try offering one or two low-calorie cocktail options. It sets a helpful tone without making anyone feel restricted. Something as simple as a vodka cranberry with fresh lime, made with light juice, keeps the seasonal vibe without tipping the scale.

Staying active during the celebration doesn’t hurt either. If there’s music, dance. If someone suggests a walk, say yes. Movement helps balance out indulgences and keeps your energy up. It also shifts the focus away from eating and drinking as the main source of entertainment.

Holiday drinking doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can enjoy the flavors, the toasts, and the buzz of celebration without going overboard. Being mindful about what and how much you drink helps keep your goals intact and lets you stay present for the parts of the season that matter most. The drinks will keep flowing, but that doesn’t mean your wellness goals have to get washed away with them.

Take Control And Make This Holiday Season Different With Remedy Aesthetics & Weight Loss Solutions

The holiday season doesn’t have to derail your health goals. A few intentional choices like balanced portions, lighter drinks, and simple movement can make all the difference without stripping away the fun.

It’s not about avoiding traditions or micromanaging every bite. It’s about keeping your energy up, your mindset clear, and your goals in view even when the calendar is full of celebrations.

The habits you built now carry over into the new year. It’s a balance that’s possible, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Remedy Aesthetics & Weight Loss Solutions, we offer physician-supervised programs designed to support you through the holidays and beyond.

Our approach blends expert care with practical solutions that fit your lifestyle. From personalized weight loss plans to rejuvenating IV infusions, facials, and aesthetic treatments, we’re here to help you feel your best, inside and out.

If you’re ready to make this season different, we’re ready to help. Schedule your consultation to explore our full range of wellness options.

Questions? Reach out to us by email at [email protected] or give us a call at (346) 333-9703.