As the holiday season approaches in Los Angeles, many are considering how to enjoy festivities without overindulging. Strategies to manage cravings and maintain a balanced diet could prove beneficial as we step into the new year.

Recent data from a Kaiser Family Foundation poll reveals an interesting trend: 12% of adults are now using GLP-1 medications, a notable increase from 6% in May of the previous year. These drugs are designed to help control appetite, offering one approach to managing those festive temptations.

However, there are also practical tips to naturally keep cravings in check. According to Rémy Leigh Peters, a registered dietitian with the Providence Family Cancer Center, many people often confuse hunger with cravings, which can lead to unnecessary weight gain. “People do often mask or think that they are hungry when it’s more of a craving, and there’s a big difference there,” she explains.

Understanding this distinction and implementing mindful eating practices can help individuals enjoy the holiday season while still maintaining their health goals. By identifying true hunger and addressing cravings thoughtfully, it’s possible to celebrate without compromising well-being.

She said people often gain weight when they give in to their cravings too soon.

“Cravings go away when you get distracted, so that’s one way to kind of know, ‘Is this hunger or a craving?” said Peters.

The first thing you can do is try to clench your fist or tighten any muscle in your body.

“It kind of triggers something in your brain, like, ‘I’m in control, this is my willpower,” said Peters.

Other strategies proven to help delay and distract are watching a funny video, calling a friend or doing a puzzle. Researchers say this stimulates the brain’s reward system.

“Some people actually do well with maybe playing like a video game or something where their hands are busy, or knitting or something productive that way,” said Peters.

Another way to halt your hunger is to get moving.

It’s a myth that exercise makes you hungrier. In fact, researchers say it’s the opposite.

“I think exercising kind of gets your mind off of that hunger feeling,” said Jean-Luc Celaya, a manager at 24-Hour Fitness in San Juan Capistrano.

British scientists say aerobic activity increases production of a peptide that suppresses appetite. Experts say dehydration can trick you into feeling hungry and studies show green or black tea can help you burn fat and balance your glucose levels.

“When your blood sugar’s high, sometimes you’re feeling more hungry, so tea is great, but water, of course, is always going to be your main source of fluid,” said Peters.

And why not try a cup of kindness? Researchers find doing good deeds or focusing on forgiveness reduces stress and can help you cut down on emotional eating.