How to Eat Smart Through the Holidays
By Lydia Wallie, Nutrition Director
Food and beverages during the holidays...They are typically an essential aspect of spending time with friends and family which is so fun. But they may also create setbacks in goals, discouragement, and stress. So what are some strategies for approaching the holidays while not creating major setbacks? Here are suggestions to help you create your plan.
Know your boundaries. Clear, intentional, and defined boundaries can create stability and peace. They are designed to keep the good in your life and keep the bad out. Here’s an example: If you know that eating gluten and dairy will lead to inflammation and a health setback for days after consumption, then decide ahead of time what your boundaries are for social gatherings. Be sure to communicate with any appropriate people if necessary.
Offer to host or bring a dish. There are countless healthy holiday food options that taste amazing! If you’re the host, you can create the main dishes and know exactly what’s in them. And if you’re a guest, you can bring healthy dishes as well. For great healthy recipe ideas, go to Pinterest and search for the paleo version of the dish you’re searching for (example: “paleo green bean casserole”).
Eat before the event. If you’re famished (low blood sugar), it’s difficult to have any amount of willpower or good decision-making. Before the event, eat a balanced snack or small meal with a combination of protein, fat, and carbs so your hunger isn’t out of control.
Choose the best options available. This applies to nearly every social, travel, or restaurant situation: You can choose the best out of the options available.
Most importantly, don’t stress. Stressing out, having a perfectionist mentality, and worrying about messing up on your plan, is worse than simply enjoying the event and people you’re with. One feeling of defeat can lead to more, and then a downward habit spiral. This stress leads to increased cortisol which may contribute to weight gain (1). So whatever the surrounding circumstances, choose to make the best choice and continue your healthy lifestyle through the holidays. Focus on what you have accomplished, celebrate your wins, and move forward.
Find accountability and support. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle, consistency with staying on the right track, and bouncing back from any setbacks, are much more achievable with accountability, encouragement, and support. Schedule your Nutrition Session today to increase your chances of meeting your goals to 95% (2).
Source List:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079864/
(2) https://uponly.co/2015/01/08/how-to-increase-the-odds-of-reaching-your-goals-by-85-2/