Make a Plan: Dealing with Holiday Eating
First off I'd like to thank all that offered support and praise during my 10 day master cleanse. I'm here to report that I feel great, lost weight and inches and am happily moving back to solid foods.
I decided to do the cleanse pre-holiday break as a way to keep myself in check. I am notorious for letting the holidays take over, long days inside watching movies wearing sweatpants, and coming out on the other side unable to fasten my suit pants. No Longer. Now that I have spent 10 days cleansing, I am paying a lot more attention to what I am putting into the system from here forward.
My holiday goal: Enjoy the holidays and come out smaller on the other side.
Now, I know that holidays are tough on people trying to keep fit and healthy. There are temptations everywhere, stress levels are high (which is no good for those of us trying to lose weight) you've decided to find out which coffee shop has the best Egg Nog Latte--but listen you can get through it. Here are some tips to make healthy eating during the holidays a little easier.
Situation 1: The Office Party - Eat before you go. Make sure you have lots of healthy snacks, maybe even a couple to tuck into your pocket in case they don't have a health conscious treat. This way you won't be the only one not eating. While at the party choose wisely, pick 1 treat and eat it slooooooowly. Skip sodas and opt for water. If people offer, just say 'no thank you' you have no reason to explain what you are doing if you don't want to. No need to get on your high horse about calorie counting either. Take care of yourself and make sure that you are working towards your goals.
Situation 2: The Family Gathering- This is a tough one. Many times relatives do not understand why you aren't having a double serving of marshmallow topped brown sugared yams. Balance your plate, get your proteins and veggies (if they are all covered in butter or creamy sauce take a small portion or pass) take it easy on the carbs. Loading your plate with rice, potatoes and biscuits will not help you any in your battle of the bulge. If you know your family will not be making food that is healthy enough, volunteer to bring a big salad or platter of healthy fruit snacks that you can munch on for dessert. Most importantly go in with a plan so you don't have to stress about it. Decide how much you will eat and what you will indulge on. My mom makes these delicious rolls, I'll pass on stuffing if it means I can have two rolls. Also be strong with your decision, you can decide to mention you are watching what you are eating or not. If someone asks why you aren't packing it in like you did last year you can always say "Its all so good I want to really take my time and enjoy it." After dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood to burn off some of dinner and take a peek at all of the festive lights.
Situation 3: Out with Friends- Friends can be great supporters or even better saboteurs. Remember its not what you are drinking, it is who you are drinking with. It should not matter if you are sipping club soda instead of champagne. If you want to have a drink try this rule which I stole from Unibroue: "Drink Less. Drink Better."
Don't be bullied, if they want dessert and you don't need it don't order it. Or there is always ordering one dessert and splitting it four ways option. Just remember that restaurant portions are often double or triple servings (ask for a take home box when you get your meal if it is tremendous).
Remember, just because it is there doesn't mean you have to eat it. Make a plan and stick to it.
Also you should make a plan to stop by The Marq Thursday night for Show Us Your Goods, a shopstravaganza to benefit Dress for Success.
I decided to do the cleanse pre-holiday break as a way to keep myself in check. I am notorious for letting the holidays take over, long days inside watching movies wearing sweatpants, and coming out on the other side unable to fasten my suit pants. No Longer. Now that I have spent 10 days cleansing, I am paying a lot more attention to what I am putting into the system from here forward.
My holiday goal: Enjoy the holidays and come out smaller on the other side.
Now, I know that holidays are tough on people trying to keep fit and healthy. There are temptations everywhere, stress levels are high (which is no good for those of us trying to lose weight) you've decided to find out which coffee shop has the best Egg Nog Latte--but listen you can get through it. Here are some tips to make healthy eating during the holidays a little easier.
Situation 1: The Office Party - Eat before you go. Make sure you have lots of healthy snacks, maybe even a couple to tuck into your pocket in case they don't have a health conscious treat. This way you won't be the only one not eating. While at the party choose wisely, pick 1 treat and eat it slooooooowly. Skip sodas and opt for water. If people offer, just say 'no thank you' you have no reason to explain what you are doing if you don't want to. No need to get on your high horse about calorie counting either. Take care of yourself and make sure that you are working towards your goals.
Situation 2: The Family Gathering- This is a tough one. Many times relatives do not understand why you aren't having a double serving of marshmallow topped brown sugared yams. Balance your plate, get your proteins and veggies (if they are all covered in butter or creamy sauce take a small portion or pass) take it easy on the carbs. Loading your plate with rice, potatoes and biscuits will not help you any in your battle of the bulge. If you know your family will not be making food that is healthy enough, volunteer to bring a big salad or platter of healthy fruit snacks that you can munch on for dessert. Most importantly go in with a plan so you don't have to stress about it. Decide how much you will eat and what you will indulge on. My mom makes these delicious rolls, I'll pass on stuffing if it means I can have two rolls. Also be strong with your decision, you can decide to mention you are watching what you are eating or not. If someone asks why you aren't packing it in like you did last year you can always say "Its all so good I want to really take my time and enjoy it." After dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood to burn off some of dinner and take a peek at all of the festive lights.
Situation 3: Out with Friends- Friends can be great supporters or even better saboteurs. Remember its not what you are drinking, it is who you are drinking with. It should not matter if you are sipping club soda instead of champagne. If you want to have a drink try this rule which I stole from Unibroue: "Drink Less. Drink Better."
Don't be bullied, if they want dessert and you don't need it don't order it. Or there is always ordering one dessert and splitting it four ways option. Just remember that restaurant portions are often double or triple servings (ask for a take home box when you get your meal if it is tremendous).
Remember, just because it is there doesn't mean you have to eat it. Make a plan and stick to it.
Also you should make a plan to stop by The Marq Thursday night for Show Us Your Goods, a shopstravaganza to benefit Dress for Success.
posted by esSDee at 8:34 AM
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