Health Update: Wellness in Picayune: Eating for the Holidays – What Experts Say

Wellness in Picayune: Eating for the Holidays

Published 4:00 pm Monday, December 22, 2025

Managing weight during the holidays can be stressful, but Rebecca Gorp claims it is not impossible by staying committed and being mindful of portion sizes for certain foods.

It’s essential to choose food options carefully and make sure that indulgences are truly worthwhile. One effective way to enjoy a holiday menu while still staying committed to food goals is to opt for smaller portions and practice moderation, rather than finishing large serving sizes.

“We get into the mindset, when I was even a kid it was a big deal for you, to finish your plate,” Gorb said. “But realistically, most of the time our plates have larger portions than what our bodies actually need.”

Staying hydrated also aids in weight management and prioritizing certain foods, such as protein and fiber.

It’s important to understand how the body processes food, especially in relation to insulin resistance. Certain medications prescribed for weight loss, particularly GLP-1 injectables like Wegovy and Zepbound, enhance the body’s ability to utilize nutrients and help reduce binge eating habits.

Gorp emphasizes that weight loss is a gradual process and highlights the importance of focusing on personal health choices rather than comparing oneself to others. Everyone’s progress is different, and it is crucial to concentrate on individual health decisions, maintain open communication with healthcare providers and stay committed to the journey. This approach will lead to improvement, even during slower periods of progress.

“I have a wide range of patients who, even myself, had lost about 60 pounds, but it didn’t happen in three months. It happened over the course of probably eight or nine months. And there were definitely weeks during that time that I was not losing anything, and it was discouraging,” Gorp said. “That can be anything from hormones to water weight, to just your body is at a stall. Don’t be discouraged because you can still get to that end goal.”