The holidays are coming....how do you stay on track?

Question

It's that time of year where we've got one holiday and social event after another. That means lot's of yummy food (mostly packed with sugar, salt, and fat) everywhere. For those of you who generally eat healthy what tips do you have for sticking to your normal eating habits when all this temptation around??

J.S. Roman · Answer

Is it tempting though? If you are tempted, I suggest creating alternative healthy versions for what you are tempted by. For instance, make your own chocolate fudge with 100% cocoa, dates, almond butter and coconut butter. If you're into the cookies, try bringing your own to the party. I like Simple Mills Crunchy Cinnamon cookies. People end up eating my healthy stuff! You can also avoid the temptation by eating something healthy before you go. If you're full, you're less likely to cheat and eat something bad. If you are in control of your habits, I suggest you allow yourself to have up to 3 items, just make sure your next meal is lighter/healthier.

Lindsey Joe · Answer

If I indulge in holiday foods or drinks that I wouldn't normally... one of the biggest things I do is get BACK to my normal eating immediately after! No one said you have to wait until next Monday or January  to do so :)

Anonymous · Answer

This might sound silly but I tend to brush my teeth/eat gum more often. Because toothpaste/peppermint and yummy casseroles don't mix well. :)

J.S. Roman · Answer

Not silly at all! You found a technique that works best for you!

Celestina Brunetti · Answer

- Eat a healthy option before you head out to a party (same before summer BBQs). 
- Find the veggies at the holiday parties, or bring them!
- Drink tons of water throughout the day! 
- If the weather allows, be active outside throughout the week...or be active inside.

Francesca Vanderwall · Answer

I follow a low-carb protocol the majority of the time. Here are the three mindset strategies I use based on that principle. One, what are my options for foods that are a part of my normal diet? Usually there's meat and cheese and a veggie tray and things like that. So those are the foods that I put on my plate first. I'm not 'sacrificing' anything because I like those things! Two, is this abnormal food worth it? I'm super picky about my sweets; grocery store cake/cookies aren't my favorite, so it's easy to skip those. I also can stop myself from eating the entire slice of cake if it's not something that really satisfies me. Three, am I eating or drinking tonight? If there are loads of high carb foods that I just have to have, then I'm not having alcohol that night. Conversely, if I can make good food choices, adding in a glass of wine or a cocktail won't get me too far off track.

(Not trying to push the low-carb thing AT ALL. I think the approach can be used with whatever food principles you personally use, which is why I shared.)

Marilyn L Gordon · Answer

I definitely have a sweet tooth, so I make sure during November & December that I stick to my gym routine.  It's easy when it's cold & dark outside in the morning or evening not to be motivated to go workout.   Also, I give myself permission to enjoy a sweet or two, just not overdue it.  One tip someone gave me years ago was to eat a few crackers, a piece of fruit, or a glass of water just before leaving.  It helps!!

The holidays are coming....how do you stay on track?

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