1) It's not about the food. Holidays should be about who you are with and what you are celebrating. We are all adults. Every single thing that is available during the holiday season can be made any other given day. Lose the black and white thinking, collect recipes, and know that this is not the only time you will ever be able to eat this food again.
2) Monitor your drinking. Yes, some of us need a couple of drinks to relax ourselves during the stressful time but even getting a little buzzed loosens us to be mindful of our true hunger/satiety signals. Since it's a diuretic it can also cause dehydration if you aren't drinking water. Chronic dehydration masks as hunger.
3) Plan ahead. If any of my friends are reading this they will get an ah ha moment. Bring a food you feel is healthy to the next party or event you are going to. I always do. If it's something I like I know I can load up 1/2 of my plate with this and just taste all the other food. Again, if I really like the food I'll get the recipe and make it again or ask my friend to make it for me.
4) Just keep moving. The holidays are stressful for many reasons but this is all the more reason you need to increase your physical activity. The first reason is for all those endorphins they produce. The second is to give yourself a little more of an allowance on calories. On average you burn 100 calories for every mile run/walked. Don't have time, get up 30 minutes earlier, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet.
5) Don't save up for the main event. You do not want to restrict your intake all day, to save up for the holiday meal. This can make your metabolism less efficient as well as disrupt your serotonin/dopamine. Instead, practice cutting your meals just a little throughout the day. This way you won't be over hungry. Once people get to this point it can take up to 30% more calories for your body to feel satisfied.
6) Eat a snack. My trick of the trade is to allows eat a little something before the party/event. This allows me to feel balanced before I eat. I'm not too hungry and not too full and it's easier for me to have appropriate portion sizes. My go to is an apple and 1-2T of peanut butter.
7) Let it go. If you do happen to overeat let it go. This does not give you reason to stop sticking with your goals. You simply just cut a little more calories throughout the next 6 days and increase your exercise. Everything can balance out. You just need to be mindful of it.
8) Share your goals and stick to them. This is a tough one. There is nothing wrong with telling someone you trust what your goals are and asking them to have your back. If your sister is your rock let her know what your goal is and ask her to help hold you accountable. Asking for help and accountability shows your STRENGTH.
9) Be Mindful. It is easy to get overwhelmed with multiple choices of food, conversations, and more. Try to be present and mindful when eating. What does the food taste like? Is it savory, sweet, sour? How about the texture? Is it crunchie, smooth? How are you feeling? Are you satisfied and feel like you have more energy or are you starting to feel overstuffed?
10) Be Thankful. You are lucky to celebrate the holiday, have access to food, clean water and many more resources. A day doesn't stall all of your momentum. Be thankful of the moment, wake up tomorrow and be amazing.
Happy Holidays!
Amy
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