It all started with Great Cookie Jar Incident of last year. My Cookie jar is the Pillsbury Dough Boy. It is adorable. I had promised myself to just have “one little cookie” after Christmas dinner. But then, like some sugar-fueled maniac, I blacked out and when I woke up I was surrounded by crumbs, an empty jar, and a very judgmental cat staring at me. Post-cookie coma, I told myself it was just “holiday spirit”, but my pants begged to differ and I looked up at the Dough Boy and he did not just giggle, he laughed at me.
As someone on a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound, I had made great progress on my weight-loss journey, losing 85 pounds. These medications have been game-changers for curbing my appetite and helping me feel full faster. But even with the help of my trusty injection, the holidays have a way of testing me. Remember what happened on Thanksgiving? I knew then that it wasn’t “real” weight gain. This was the cruel trifecta of sodium, carbs, and water retention playing tricks. But my brain? Oh, my brain was screaming, “Congratulations, you’ve unlocked a bonus chin!”
If you’re in the same boat, let me share some tips (and a few laughs) on how to navigate this festive food minefield without derailing your goals.
Why Do We Gain Weight Over the Holidays?
Even on GLP-1 medications, the combination of holiday treats, fewer workouts, a cocktail or two, and the general “treat yourself” mindset can lead to overindulgence. These medications work wonders for regulating appetite, but they don’t magically make Aunt Linda’s fudge or Grandma’s pecan pie any less tempting. Add in sodium-packed leftovers and cozy nights on the sofa watching Elf or A Christmas Story, it is easy to see how the scale starts creeping up.
But fear not! With some strategy and a few laughs, you can keep your progress on track.
5 Funny Yet Practical Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain on GLP-1
1. Adopt the “One Plate Rule” (and Stick to It)
Picture this: you’re at a holiday party, and your plate’s so stacked it looks like a Jenga tower. Even with a GLP-1 medication curbing your appetite, holiday foods are hard to resist. Try this rule: one plate, one layer, no stacking. Make it a fun challenge to create a balanced meal without overloading.
Last year, I told myself I’d “just taste” a few appetizers. Fast forward, and I’m holding a plate with enough cheese cubes to build a small fortress. Don’t be like me.
2. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Water helps flush out excess sodium, keeps you feeling full, and can curb the urge to snack on those leftover sugar cookies. “But I only get them once a year” I justify to myself. Even on GLP-1 meds, staying hydrated is crucial for managing holiday bloat. Do not forget your electrolytes. Liquid IV has been my savior.
Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a new water bottle on Amazon to motivate yourself! It will deliver tomorrow with Prime!
3. Set a Movement Goal
No, you don’t need to run a marathon. A 20-minute walk or a TikTok dance session to your favorite holiday playlist can do wonders. Moving around not only burns calories but also helps your GLP-1 medication do its job more effectively.
4. Beware the Leftovers Trap
Christmas leftovers are like little food Gremlins (it is a Christmas movie, unlike Die Hard!) whispering, “Just one more bite won’t hurt.” Even on Zepbound, those bites add up. Try freezing some leftovers to make them less accessible or repurpose them into lighter meals.
5. Have a Game Plan for Desserts
Desserts are unavoidable this time of year, but you don’t have to sample every option. Pick your absolute favorite and savor it. Mounjaro or Zepbound may be reducing cravings, but holiday sweets can be hard to resist. Moderation is key.
Final Thoughts: Balance, Not Perfection
The week between Christmas and New Year’s doesn’t have to be a black hole of overindulgence. Even on a GLP-1 weight-loss journey, occasional holiday treats are part of life. With a little planning, some movement, and a healthy dose of humor, you can enjoy the festivities without derailing your progress. Give yourself some grace even if the scale fights you on Boxing Day. If you are traveling through the holidays, remember these helpful tips.
So this year, let’s make a pact: We’ll savor the moments (and maybe Aunt Linda’s fudge) without letting last year’s Cookie Jar Incident dictate our mood. Here’s to ringing in the new year feeling fabulous, guilt-free, and ready to keep crushing those GLP-1 weight loss goals!
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