So how can you eat healthy during the holidays without the cravings, temptations, without gaining 5 – 10 pounds? You want to fit into your favorite dress or jeans, right?
Or even more importantly you are tired of being tired and are beginning to see how what you’re eating is affecting you. You want energy to tackle all of our responsibilities plus have energy for time with family or things you want to do.
Maybe you realize the foggy brain– the unclear thinking and decreased ability to focus is related to what you eat. But you want to enjoy the holidays, too, yet feel overwhelmed. Let’s talk about two common mistakes and strategies to help you.
Mistake number 1: You arrive starving.
So you’re going to someone else’s house for a party or get together and you arrive starving! You think well, there’s going to be a lot of food so I want to “save myself” enough room to eat it. So you don’t eat all day or maybe you eat an itsy bitsy small salad with just lettuce and a few veggies.
Let me just be abrupt. That’s a bad idea! Really bad! (SMILE)
In order to prevent yourself from overeating or being so tempted that you completely derail any healthy goals that day, make it a point to eat a small healthy snack beforehand. Think of a snack as a mini-meal and try to include the 3 macronutrients (protein, fat, and complex carb) or at least a protein and healthy fat.
Some ideas are half an apple with nut butter (if you tolerate nuts) or coconut butter (manna) OR 1/2 avocado and a boiled egg OR a handful of nuts and ¼ cup of blueberries OR a turkey roll, a few strawberries, and ¼ avocado. Just enough to keep the Hangry monster away. You’ll be able to arrive at the party as a happy camper, smiling, and enjoy yourself by enjoying the people there – rather than heading straight for the food table, pushing people out of the way, and inhaling 2 or 3 desserts in your first 5 minutes. (Not that I know anything about that. Ahem!) SMILE!
Mistake number 2: You try to avoid anything unhealthy.
It really is okay to allow yourself a treat now and then. Part of being with family or friends during the holidays is the social aspect and enjoying food. But remember, if you want to try a special food, it’s a treat – not an excuse for the runaway sugar-binging train to go off the mountain. So don’t try be a martyr and avoid everything that you love. Instead, here’s what to do.
Plan ahead. Decide before you attend the event if you’re going to allow yourself a treat, dessert, or even a favorite savory or comfort dish and how much. This is key – plan WHAT and HOW MUCH. (You plan for other things that are important to you, right? You plan a trip with details like where you’re going, where you’re staying, and what to bring, so why not plan this? You plan your wedding, the nursery for your baby, schooling, your house décor. Can I remind you that your health should be at the top of the list. Because if you don’t have optimal health, then none of the other things in life will be possible, right? )
So plan what and how much. Then, don’t eat more than that. Remind yourself WHY. You made a commitment to yourself because you care about yourself, how you feel, and your health goals. And you are WORTH keeping your word to yourself, right? Move away from the food and beverage table. Grab a water if you need to have a glass in your hand. Focus on the people there and getting to know them. And smile! Your attitude is going to help you here.
So, Let’s wrap up our time today. Remember, the holidays are wonderful times to celebrate our faith, our traditions, relaxing, having fun, and being with family and friends. Celebrating with food is part of it, but we don’t have to let it completely sabotage all our hard work or our goals.
We don’t have to gain weight or eat ourselves into a carb or sugar coma complete with brain fog, bloating, or guilt. Try these two strategies this holiday season and see if they are beneficial in maintaining your health while also enjoying this special season.
And I’ve got good news because I’m offering something else to help you. It’s my Healthy Holiday Baking series. It’s only five days. We will begin on Sunday, Dec. 8 – Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
I’ll be breaking down several categories of healthy swaps, giving you ideas on what products you can use as subs, recipes, and even have a cooking demo. And the best news is the investment is only $107 until Dec. 6. I’ve got more recipes and goodies for you this year, too. You can click here for details.
So if you’ve always wondered how to enjoy holiday baking yet still eat healthy and not have the brain fog, sugar crash, bloat, moodiness, or 10 pound weight gain afterwards, I’m going to help you do this. Reach out with questions.
I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and help women over 40 who have fatigue, digestive issues, brain fog, trouble losing weight, hormonal issues, and autoimmune conditions. I work with you and as a team, we focus on nutrition and lifestyle factors to help you have more energy, think clearer, and fit into those favorite jeans again. You can do this! You just might need some help from someone who’s been there herself and worked with clients – helping guide, support, and encourage you each step of the way. Contact me here to set up a free strategy session to see how we can work together. — Leah Cheshire, NBC-HWC
