2 Smart Strategies for feasting whilst on a weight loss journey

The festive season is upon us! I love Christmas because it's the time of the year when families come together and bond.

Parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts, friends—all gathering in one place, creating noises, playing games, having fun, sharing laughter, or in our case speaking about Greek politics (LOL). These moments are remarkable for many of us, with the delightful smells coming out of the kitchen and tables full of treats.

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I have a personal love for socialising with food. Growing up in a culture where we go the extra mile for our guests, ensuring we provide more than enough, has shaped this love.

In Greece, our plates are magically refilled when we turn our heads for a moment, thanks to the magic hands of mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and others. (LOL)

Greeks believe that sharing food is therapeutic, and it's no secret that eating together is fun, social, and good for the soul. Sometimes, we prepare so much food that people tend to overeat to avoid wasting it or save it for later, leading to weight gain.

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During my own weight loss journey, I aimed to avoid gaining any weight, as it would have delayed the process and made me feel a bit discouraged. Today, I want to share what I did to prevent weight gain.

Firstly, you need to understand this: "Temptation is easier to avoid than to resist," and that's a fact. Although you do want to attend the gatherings, I implemented the following to prevent any relapses during my weight loss journey:

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Challenge Social Pressure

You will undoubtedly have someone asking why you don't eat or why your portion is so small. Some might have an all-or-nothing mentality. I would personally fill my plate with salad, lean meat (chicken, turkey, or beef, only oven-baked, not fried), plenty of salad, oven-baked potatoes, and yoghurt (tzatziki sauce)—enough to suppress my satiety and keep me full.

Most of the time, I would skip desserts, but you can have them in moderation.

If someone insists that you eat more, be clear that you're on a diet and losing weight. Say "NO thanks." Don't say you're trying, as it might convey uncertainty, and the person keeps tempting you. Instead, say you are losing weight, which shows more determination in what you do.

If they continue, you have to continue as well. If it begins to feel awkward, don't worry; the process should feel a bit uncomfortable. Make sure to let your family and everyone else know that you are on a weight loss journey.

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Take the lead

The next year, I took the lead. Yes, I took full responsibility for our Christmas feast. I love cooking, by the way. What I did differently was being very organized.

I knew exactly how many people would attend the feast. I calculated portions for everyone, not just for myself (hehe). I asked everyone beforehand about their protein preferences, carbs, salads, etc., and made the shopping accordingly. Back then, I had no idea about calories, so I was watching my portion size.

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Let's say 12 people would attend. Every plate would get a fair amount of chicken, beef, a fair amount of oven potatoes/rice, big bowl of salads, yoghurt sauce, and bread. I cooked for a plus one just in case. But everything was shared equally, nothing was left for later, and no one was unsatisfied. The same approach applied to dessert. Importantly, there wasn't enough food to tempt me or anyone else who was trying to lose weight. Success!

The first year was the most challenging, but the second year was easier as I had managed to lose most of the weight and build a resilient mindset. Currently, I'm very disciplined. In addition, I have acquired extensive knowledge about calories and portion control, allowing me to enjoy everything in moderation.

These strategies work for all kinds of feasts and not only Christmas. If you have any questions or need support with your unique challenge, feel free to drop me a private message, free of charge.

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