How to succeed on your nutrition
goals while not being disowned by family
This is the time of year where I am constantly busy meeting with clients and working with them on their initial consultations. The biggest question I get is, “Should I just wait and start after the holidays?” My answer is always no. Holidays are a special time of year. They tend to bring people together and allow for time to reflect on the joy of life. They should not be stress over eating out of Tupperware or not enjoying the wonderful foods.
So, here are a few tips for the holiday season that will help you stay on track without feeling like you have been placed in “FOOD PRISON”.
- Have a Plan: Going into a holiday meal without any thought as to how to manage it is like being dropped in the forest with the Predator. Eventually, something will go wrong and it will be DRASTIC! Usually with you splayed out on the couch unable to move and hard of breathing from eating so much. So, go into the day with a plan.
- Eat Normal Around it: You need to not deprive yourself of your normal calories through the day. If you decide to go into the big meal hungry, you will leave the meal feeling overly stuffed and wondering what just happened. You are welcome to skip snacks and cut back on a few calories at meals but do not skip meals.
- Portion Control: Try to think about what your plate has looked like over the years and cut that portion size in ½ or ¾ of what you normally would. Smaller portions will allow for you to be forced to get up and get seconds for more food if you want. It makes you actually think about the food rather than just stuffing yourself on one siting.
- DESSERT: If you, like me, are a fan of the desserts your family makes, its ok to have some if you can handle just a small slice. My family makes Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Mississippi Mud Pie, so I want a taste of all of them. Of course it is important to know when to stop. Set yourself some LIMITS. Do not deprive yourself but do not make it a celebration of food. It’s a celebration of mindfulness and family.
- Know thyself: If you are the type of person, and there are a lot of people who fall into this, who can’t just have one slice, then know that you just cant do it. If your goal is important to you, you won’t allow yourself to ruin it for a slice, a half, a whole pie. Will power is a lot like a muscle. You must contract and flex it to build it up!
These are just a few tips that help my clients through the holidays. Remember, no one is perfect. So if you find yourself in a failing situation, cut the rope, call it a day and start anew day tomorrow. The best thing for you to do is get right back to it the next day. One meal does not ruin your goals. Feeling bad about your mistake and allowing it to snowball will. Be strong. Human beings are amazing creatures with so many capabilities. You can accomplish this.
