No matter where you are in your fitness journey, you’ve likely thought about how you will tackle the upcoming holiday season. Some people have a “worry about it later” mentality and go full force through the season without a plan or practice of good balance. Instead, they plan on tackling their health (plus the typical holiday 10 pounds) on January 1!
Others go to extremes and avoid the parties and holiday festivities because they can’t be easily tempted around the delicious treats and meals being served. However, what I’d like to promote is the road that lies between….the path of plan and balance for the holiday season!
These are some of the best tips I can offer and I wager to say you’ll head into January with a smile, great memories and loose fitting clothes to go with it. If you’re on a fitness and nutrition plan, keep working those and aiming for your goals….stay the course! Here’s what’s worked for me in the past and my plan for this year as well.
1. When planning your weekly to-do list and agenda, make special note of the parties you’ll attend. Some have themes, are solely appetizers or desserts, or are full-out sit-down meals. Note this in your agenda so you can plan how you eat that day or days prior according to what’s on the horizon. Keep your food choices on plan before and after that event.
2. Decide ahead of time how you will eat at the party. Is this a planned indulgence in your 80/20 or 90/10 balance or is it an aim to stay on your regular, whole-food balanced plan? Make a decision and just know before you go!
3. If it’s an appetizer or dessert party, fill up before arrival with your usual eats. You’ll likely have a drink in hand and be socializing with others, so it won’t stand out that your plate is not filled or that you’ve chosen to go for the lighter items like fruit and veggies. For dessert parties, split a piece with your partner or leave half of it on your plate. No one wins an award for finishing it all, so leave it on your plate if you’re full….who cares!
4. If it’s a holiday dinner party, and maybe your only one for the week (like Thanksgiving), then enjoy! Plan ahead for it and keep the diet tight and on plan days and meals before and after that date. Make this one of your “fun food” meals for the week. Leave the guilt and calorie tracker at home! It’s not a binge and you’re not showing up like you’ve been deprived, you’re just planning to enjoy the meal and not feel guilty with every bite.
5. If having a big meal, take one serving of each item that interests you. I don’t feel obligated to eat everything the buffet or hostess is serving. What goes on my plate is my choice. The creamier dishes I may steer clear or serve myself a mini scoop. Regardless, your Mom’s not standing there making you eat one of each dish….the choice is yours!
6. Keep the dressings and toppings to a minimum. A ton of unnecessary calories are hidden in the dressings and gravies. You can ask for a low-cal substitute or even use lemon or salsa for your dressing. At the very least, order it on the side and put it on at your own discretion. Some people dip their forks in the dip/dressing first and then take their bite….nice idea!7. Eat slowly. Set your fork down between bites and focus on enjoying the company around you. After the meal, take time for your stomach to talk to your brain. Most of this special food is very rich with ingredients and it’s common you’ll get full on the first round. However, if you go back for seconds quickly, you likely will overeat and be stuffed (and uncomfortable) later. If after 20 minutes of thinking about it you find you’re still hungry, go back for seconds. Again, no one’s keeping track of you but you!
8. Alcohol! There are tons of effects of alcohol on the body, but something I read recently really hit home. Alcohol in itself can really make your evening special, but it’s the poor choices we make after drinking a ton {and losing our sense of reason} that usually send us in a downward spiral, not necessarily the alcohol itself. You are in charge!
9. Specialty hot or cold beverages! Keep your sugared drinks on your ticker. One of our favorite things to do is jump in the van, grab a hot chocolate or coffee, and go see some light shows. Do I do this every night or multiple times a week? No! It’s a treat!
For parties, have a special punch drink or homemade hot chocolate and finish the night with water. Those beverage calories can REALLY pack on the pounds, so having a plan and staying mindful is key in this case. Keep control and track it!
10. Desserts, food trays, candy dishes, and treat trays! Sugar is what makes the holidays go round….have you been on Pinterest lately?! It will be everywhere this season: in the teacher’s lounge, the break room, gifts you receive, the receptionist’s desk…you get it. Set your plan with sugar NOW. Will you practice a no-sugar policy except for that holiday event? Will you allow yourself one sugar item in the AM and one in the PM or just one daily? Don’t be afraid to throw or give it away, either. I won’t tell anyone! Just set your “rules” up and follow them. {PS: You can also take my “Shake the Sugar” 21-Day Challenge on this link HERE if you’re wanting a program and accountability for sugar this season.}
11. Snacking! This is what makes the difference between your progress, plateau, and downfall. If you go mindless from here until January 1, you WILL be one of those people to gain the Holiday 10. Failing to plan is planning to fail and showing up at every party eating what you want, walking by every tray or bowl with a a handful, or filling plates without boundaries will land you where you don’t want to go. Again, just stay mindful and keep off autopilot.
12. Water up! Drink your water in full force this season to flush your system, stay regular, and detox. Keep your water bottle in sight and filled. It’s your secret weapon that will keep your ship smooth sailing, give you energy amongst all the events and help you rise and shine to tackle each day.
13. Seek accountability with a friend, trainer or coach, or family member. Don’t go at this alone. Form a Facebook group or meet weekly at a coffee shop with others who are like minded and want to share recipes or keep each other accountable for the season. Having your own little built-in cheerleaders will keep you on track {PS…that’s why I started the Fit Gal Club!! *grin*}14. Remember, taste is just one of your five senses. Feed your body with the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of the warmth of the holidays. Take in light shows, musicals and time with the ones you love. Shop for a tree amongst the holiday greens or go for a walk in the woods. Get outside and breathe fresh air. Try a new yoga class, an organized holiday run or charity walk in your area. It does NOT have to be all about the food!
15. Enjoy the season, find your balance, marvel in the moment with your family, and keep control. You’re not focusing on making great weight loss strides or jumps from now until January. It’s all about maintenance of the hard work that you’ve put in up until this point. If you have a bad night, don’t throw in the towel for the week or month. Move on and let it go….it happens. However, the feeling you have from staying in control will give you far greater reward than the taste of any food item out there.
You’ve got this!
-Mindy
15. Enjoy the season, find your balance, marvel in the moment with your family, and keep control. You’re not focusing on making great weight loss strides or jumps from now until January. It’s all about maintenance of the hard work that you’ve put in up until this point. If you have a bad night, don’t throw in the towel for the week or month. Move on and let it go….it happens. However, the feeling you have from staying in control will give you far greater reward than the taste of any food item out there. You’ve got this!
-Mindy