Time for lots of turkey, casseroles, tators, and deserts - and most often time for our diets, willpower, and every bit of progress we've made to go out the window until January 1st, right?
WRONG!!
It IS possible to take on the holidays without taking on the pounds that usually come with it... while still being able to enjoy yourself and some yummy indulgence at the same time.
The main key is MODERATION! There will be a hand-full of days within the next month and a half that are going to tempt you with a huge amount of food and 98% of it will be bad! My advice for those days - ENJOY YOURSELF!!
Granted, don't go crazy and over-do it on those special occasions (see tips below), but know and understand that one day/meal is not going to derail your entire progress.
That being said, it's all of the other days in between that are going to keep you on track. Just because it is the holidays and every singe commercial is about food and every shelf is lined with Christmas cookies doesn't mean that we need to partake in the over-indulgence every single night.
Here are some tips to get you through the most tempting time of year:
- Create a dinner menu for all days of the week (except for the holiday parties) to cook and prepare. Try to keep the dinners clean, healthy, and balanced. Clean, home cooked meals are way more healthy than anything store bought or from restaurants.
- Get in your exercises!! This time of year is usually busier for most of us as well so its often harder to find anytime for exercise. Try some HIIT exercises that are more intense, but can be done in a shorter amount of time. Go for a run, practice yoga, throw some weights around, or try doing jumping jack and burpees throughout every commercial break. Remember, exercising regularly will also help you keep your energy up and is highly therapeutic (which most of us need around the holidays after crazy Christmas shopping or stressful party planning).
- Practice your willpower. If you make cookies and goodies for others, refrain from eating them yourself, or reserve a small assortment to save for a cheat meal.
- If you have a party coming up at the end of the week, try to eat as clean and healthy as you can throughout the week and let the party be your treat for staying strong and committed.
Special occasions and dinners:
- Don't skip meals prior to the big dinner. Continue to eat regularly throughout the day, making sure you eat soon after waking up to get you metabolism going. Skipping meals is only going to slow you metabolism down, then it will want to store everything when you finally do eat. And because you'll probably be starving by then, you'll over-eat.
- Get a little bit of everything. Portion control is important! If there are a lot of options, just get a little of each one, or of what you like best. Don't go crazy and make yourself sick.
- Fill up on protein and veggies first, casseroles, potatoes, and breads last.
- After you feel full or have finished your plate, give yourself a few minutes to sit and digest before going back for seconds. If you rest for a few, it gives your brain time to catch up with your stomach and say "I'm full" before you start on round 2 and, again, get yourself sick.
- Drink lots of water! A couple benefits here. Water will help you feel fuller faster, hopefully preventing you from eating too much. Also, water is always the healthiest choice of beverage and since you're already taking in way too many calories and sugar it's a good healthier pick.
- Even after eating all of the first course, its really hard to pass up the desserts. Pick out one or two favorites and get enough for a couple bites. Not a huge portion (remember, you're already full anyways) but just enough to enjoy the sweetness and ease the cravings.
Tips for after the big meals:
- Go easy on the leftovers. Again, go for the protein and veggies first. I love turkey and even bake them randomly throughout the year because they are an excellent source of lean protein.
- Don't let your body get you down. After eating a big meal (even just one) your body will bloat and retain water for several days, completely covering up any hard work you may have been doing to improve your waist line. Don't worry!! It's just water weight and it will come right back off in a couple of days, you didn't ruin everything - providing you're back on track.
- The scales will lie to you the same way your mirror is. Along with the water weight you'll see higher numbers on the scales for a few days. Again, don't let it freak you out - or just do what I do and avoid the scales all together until 5-7 days after a treat dinner.
- GET BACK ON TRACK!! The very next day!! Go back to eating clean and exercising regularly. Don't wait till Monday or worse January!!
It is possible to enjoy the holidays and come out unscathed and I'm going to make it a point to do so!! MAKE YOUR SELF!!
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Not This Year!!! |
