1. COMMIT to the DECISION to avoid the small indulgences.
When it comes to the “holiday season,” focus on the idea that it is a few singular DAYS that make up this season. That means it is a few specific days to indulge in pies, cookies, and excessive alcohol. NOT an entire season.
It’s not the one-time binge on Thanksgiving or Christmas day that packs on the pounds. It’s the small stuff over the course of the next few weeks that does the damage.
It’s the cookie trays co-workers bring into share at the office, the bag of chocolate covered pretzels on your counter, the Hershey kisses in the bowl on your secretary’s desk, and the extra glasses of wine at that work party your spouse drug you to.
It’s so easy to mindlessly snack on unhealthy foods, that sometimes we don’t even bother asking ourselves do we really even want these “treats?” Often times we simply eat them because they’re available.
Avoid these small indulges, they really do add up.
2. Make a Plan
Decide now what events and what foods you will indulge in over the course of the next few weeks.
Pick your favorites. Is it pumpkin pie? Egg-nog? Cheesecake? Booze? What?
Whatever it is, whatever the amount, know beforehand. Is it one slice, or an entire pie? Is it two cocktails or drunk from twelve?
It doesn’t matter what or really how much it is, what’s important is that you decide beforehand and commit to that decision.
This removes the guilt that so many people experience when they over-indulge and eat more than they think they should have. It’s this guilt that creates the complete meltdown and continued binge that creates a “season” of eating.
Decide what indulgences you will have beforehand, eat and enjoy them guilt free, and move on.
3. Get rid of the unhealthy leftovers.
You’ve committed to avoiding the small stuff, you’ve committing to your plan of when and what unhealthy foods you will enjoy, now it’s time to set the stage for success by removing temptation.
Get rid of the leftover treats, sweets, and junk-food from your house. Tell your co-workers you appreciate the gesture, but ask for their support by not offering you holiday candies and baked goods. The same goes for your family. Give it away, throw it out, do whatever you need to do to remove the endless amounts of temptation.
Out of sight, out of mind really is the key to victory.
4. Uptick the healthy food.
On non-holiday, non-party days, make an effort to uptick your nutritional choices to balance out those other days where you’re indulging. During these days pull the calories back a bit, add an extra heaping of veggies with each meal, and aim to make every meal incredibly nutritious.
It’s easy to temporarily “uptick” your meals when you know you have an event coming up where you will get to indulge in some unhealthy choices.
5. Uptick the Workouts
During the holiday seasons you’re busy, stressed, and workouts become far and few between.
Make the workouts you do perform really count by bringing extra energy and enthusiasm to them. Push through those extra reps, push the pace, and squeeze every ounce of effort out of these precious workouts.
If you follow these five tips you likely will get to eat and enjoy all of the food you associate with the holidays, but your waistline won’t pay the price for it.
Don’t forget.
Remember what the holidays are really about. Celebrate your family and your loved ones, not just the food you eat!
Happy holidays!