Am I doomed to gain holiday weight? Every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, I gain at least 10 pounds—everything looks so delicious at holiday parties and dinners! I’ve tried having a protein snack before heading out so I won’t be hungry, but I still end up over-eating. Is there anything else I can do?
Due to factors like stress and erratic eating schedules, blood sugar gets all out of whack during the holidays, bringing on hunger even when you’ve already eaten. And while protein does help stabilize blood sugar and increase satiety, it isn’t always enough. The better bet: Pair protein with fat from sources like dairy, flaxseed oil and nut butters. With a protein-fat combo, digestion slows down more to stabilize blood sugar levels—and ward off hunger—longer. Some ideas: Make chicken or tuna salad with a sour cream dip and enjoy on crackers, or sip a small smoothie blended with a dollop of peanut butter.
