Christmas Holiday Foods for weight loss
Are you on a weight loss journey this holiday season but you still want to enjoy some of the delicious holiday inspired foods? I’m a Registered Dietitian and I created this healthy Christmas holiday foods for weight loss round up to keep you on track without feeling overly deprived.
Can I lose weight during the holidays?
Yes, it is completely possible to enjoy your holidays while on a weight loss or fat loss journey. While it might take more of an effort to eat well rounded meals during the hustle and bustle of the holiday events, having go-to options that keep you in a caloric deficit while not feeling deprived is key to success.
How do i stay in a caloric deficit during the holidays?
Roughly calorie tracking or having go-to meals that you know keep you in a deficit is a good idea to staying on track during the holiday season. As always we want to stay mindful of the amount we are consuming and expending, so staying on track with your workouts and movement is essential to weight loss. Whether that be squeezing in a 30 minute workout first thing in the morning or going for a walk on the treadmill while watching your favorite holiday movie, consistency is key to staying on track in the holidays.
Ditch the all or nothing mindset
Here is an example of an all or nothing mindset: You are “really good” about your food intake and exercise at some points but the moment you aren’t able to squeeze in that workout or you do end up having a cookie at the Christmas party and it somehow turns into you sitting there at 9pm with a box of Christmas oreos and you realize you haven’t exercised in 10 days, telling yourself you’ll start again in January. Now this might be an over-exaggeration of the all or nothing mindset, but you get what I am saying. This sort of mindset sets you up for failure with your weight loss or fat loss goals. None of my clients eat 100% clean all the time, especially during the holidays. You can enjoy a treat and not fall completely off the rails with the right mindset and support. Learn more about my nutrition counseling here (I do accept insurance!)
Christmas holiday foods for weight loss
High protein holiday Foods
Clean Simple eats white chocolate candy cane protein powder
- Clean simple eats white chocolate peppermint protein powder
So many delicious holiday ways to enjoy this protein powder. Here are some of my ideas:
1. Add to a ninja creami and make protein ice cream
2. Make “energy” balls with white chocolate chips
3. Make hot cocoa, mix your protein with almond milk and
Built puff candy cane brownie bar
For only 140 calories, 17 grams of protein and 14 grams of carbohydrates this protein bar option is the perfect sweet treat to stay on track with your weight loss goals this holiday season. Throw it in your purse and run out the door to your pilates class or enjoy after dinner as a blood sugar balancing dessert option.
Orgain peppermint hot cocoa protein powder
With 150 calories, 21 grams of plant based protein and
Again you could make holiday energy bites, add a scoop to your homemade latte to make a peppermint latte with almond milk or make a hot cocoa! The options are endless for you to enjoy a holiday treat without being overindulgent in calories and still hitting those protein goals for fat loss.
Quest peppermint bark
These Quest bars are delicious and festive with 180 calories per bar, 23 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams of fiber, and 21 grams of protein this bar packs a punch. It does have some erythritol, so if you’re gut is sensitive to this I would avoid eating them. Additionally it is a whey and milk based protein isolate bar, so also avoid if you’re sensitive to these aspects.
Oats overnight
These oats overnight came out with 4 different festive holiday flavors, including:
1. Egg nog
2. Snickerdoodle
3. Gingerbread
4. Peppermint mocha
Each variety has 20 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and between 280-290 calories per serving. Simply add water or 8 ounces of milk and leave in the fridge overnight and you’ll have a blood sugar balancing festive holiday breakfast on the go.
Poppi cranberry fiz
With only 30 calories, 8 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, this delicious festive Christmas drink is sure to satisfy your fizzy cravings while helping you stay in a caloric deficit and watching your added sugar intake.
Gingerbread rx bars
Now I realize some people consider these a protein bar, but because they only have 12 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber and 200 calories I consider them more of carbohydrate source. Still great at balancing the blood sugar levels and adding some protein and fiber to support your weight loss goals! I love that these bars are minimal ingredients and travel well.
Liquid iv hot chocolate
This hot cocoa has only 30 calories and 6 grams of added sugar per serving. It is the perfect post-workout Christmas treat mixed with a cup of steamed milk or soy milk for a little boost in protein.
Heavenly Hunks Holiday Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Bites
These Heavenly hunks have 120 calories, 18 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber and protein per serving. They are a delicious sweet treat you can pair with some protein to ensure it is blood sugar stabilizing. It is a great option for when you are wanting something a little sweet but not to go overboard.
Things to keep in mind
When we are aiming to stay on track with our weight or fat loss goals during the Holiday season, we want to ensure we are staying in a caloric deficit. This means looking for options that are going to keep your blood sugar stable and decrease cravings, while allowing you to enjoy the foods you are eating. Meeting your protein goals is also essential for maintaining blood sugar, helping to maintain muscle mass while losing weight. Instead of thinking about what to take out of your diet, find ways to enjoy the foods you love and keep the calories in a deficit.
Want more?
Apply to work with me as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist here. In our first nutrition assessment we will strategize an individualized nutrition plan for your unique goals and body. I do take insurance, you can learn more about that here. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
