We had our 1st of 5 family holiday gatherings this evening. I wanted to share my holiday strategy that I’ve developed over the years:
- I keep my training on rhythm all through the season. I don’t ever do extra cardio or workouts to work off something I over ate because I view each day as a new start. As busy as it gets, keeping my rhythm is my biggest combat of stress and the routine activity is what my mind and body need.
- On the days before a special event, I track #macros in my MFP app, eating a variety of foods. Low #sugar and high fiber are my ongoing focus. #Water and #sleep are very important, too.
- On the day of a special event, I eat regular meals up until the time of the party. I go in with a half-full stomach and I leave a good amount of calories from my food budget for the foods at the party, knowing I have room to enjoy what is served.
- I make sure to load up on protein and keep dips, sauces, and desserts to a minimum, but NOT off limits. It’s the holidays and life is too short to go without!
- After I eat, I track what I’ve eaten, estimating portion sizes, helping me know where I stand for the day. I don’t hyper focus on exacts because with homemade meals, appetizers, or meals out, it’s all an estimate anyways. Being general gets me close. And if I have room or really want that #dessert that is calling my name, I eat it!
- I don’t stress because I know that of these 5-7 events for this season, I’m very mindful to eat in balance at the party AND the remaining 360ish days of the year are where my results really come from. A little over indulging now is so small in the big picture.
Overall, focus on the people, the memories and make sure to eat Grandma’s special casserole or dessert guilt-free. What would January you tell you to do now? You’d say, “Enjoy today”, that’s what!