In my experience, most people who are trying to work on their health find this season the most challenging. But it doesn’t have to be if you keep your reason for starting this journey clear in your mind and go to every event with a clear and defined plan!

Below are a few tips to help you navigate some of the most common issues clients face during the holiday season.  I would love to connect with you, one on one, and help you create your own personal plan for the holiday season. Let’s solidify your plan this week! 

TOP TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAY SEASON! 

Don't skip meals and save up calories for the big meal!  This is a recipe for disaster just like food shopping when hungry!  Just eat every 3 hours as normal to be kind to your blood sugar and so you aren't starving when the feast is in front of you!

Go through the line without your plate.  Scope out the situation.  Decide what you will eat BEFORE you have the plate in your hand!  That helps you not be impulsive!

Use a smaller plate! 9 inch is best when filled with half veggies and a quarter lean protein. (and a quarter healthy starch..... if you aren't in fat burning)

Eat your veggies first!  The fiber will help you fill up and leave little room for unhealthy choices.

The first 3 bites have 95% of the taste satisfaction.  

Being the designated driver is always best... but if you drink alcohol, slow down... drink water in between.... limit yourself... Technically speaking, even though alcohol is not on plan, vodka or hard liquor doesn't have carbs to knock you out of fat burning.  Red wine is healthiest.... but has lots of calories and carbs. Consider making your red wine into a spritzer to dilute down the calories. Remember, drinking alcohol can really inhibit your decision-making process!

Bring a healthy dish along that is thoughtful and compliant!

Focus on the family and fellowship!  Don't center all conversation and location around the food!  Make some great memories!  Don't let food be the center of your universe!  It's all about your loved ones!

Keep yourself physically away from the food table.  Standing next to the table while socializing will make it easy to nosh and nibble mindlessly.  Walk away!

Wear snug clothes so you are aware and body conscious!  You won't unbuckle your jeans to eat more! haha!

Decide your plan of action before you go!  Are you staying in fat burning?  Are you giving yourself a few bites of stuffing?  Be true to yourself and give yourself a plan of action!

Make new traditions!  You don't HAVE to bake cookies with the kids!  You can always make ornaments or crafts with them instead!  They will LOVE it!

Workout before your meal.... Take a family walk after dinner.  Dance your heart away at parties!  Burn, baby, burn!

Put your fork down in between bites!  SLOW down!  ENJOY and be MINDFUL!  Think.... I am eating.  If you eat too fast, you won't even realize or appreciate the joy of the tastes and textures.

If you must bake or prepare a tempting food for a party, brush your teeth, chew gum... and when all else fails... run Vicks VapoRub in your nostrils so as not to smell whatever you are baking! haha!  Hey, whatever works, right??  

Get the leftovers out of the house!  Give them away or throw them away!  

Be a food snob!  If it isn't completely decadent and worth it, don't waste your nibbling on something that isn't amazing!  Gonna kick yourself out of fat burning?  Then don't do it with soggy old French fries that didn't even taste good!

Do not give into food pushers!  Stay true to yourself!  YOU and YOUR decisions are important!  If someone tries to push food on you, don't say you CAN'T.  That makes you sound like the victim and that you really want it.  Switch your wording and say you don't want it. "Thank you!"  Touch your belly as if you are full.  Shake your head and say, "No, thank you!"  That shows empowerment and they will leave you alone!  They don't know if you are full.... they don't know if your stomach is upset..... just exercise your right to say "no".   

Hold your water bottle or glass in your dominant hand so that your hand is kept busy and isn't so prone to pick at the food!

Keep your attitude in check.  You deserve to feel good.   You deserve to look good.  Saying "no" to some things means saying "yes" to a WHOLE LOT MORE!  The pies and cakes will always be there.  You've had them your whole life.  You already know what they taste like.  You are strong.  You are worthy.  There's always another day.  It's not like NEVER..... it's just NOT NOW.  How you eat shows your self-respect.  Enjoy your holidays and be proud of yourself!