Lots of people ask about diet tips and strategies for “surviving” the Holidays while dieting. I have to admit I don’t really have this problem, not because I’ve got some superhuman discipline (I don’t), but I didn’t grow up in this country, so I didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas like the way they are celebrated here, with a LOT of eating AND drinking.
Not only that, but they are an important tradition to most, something to be respected and repeated, and are often one of the few times families really get together. My experiences with traditional Holidays were Indian ones, and involved dancing, fireworks and lighting candles(Diwali), and throwing colors on one another (Holi).
So what do you do if you’ve made the commitment to stick to your fitness goals AND survive through the winter Holiday party season? Should you stick out like a sore thumb, steadfast in your determination NOT to indulge?
One too many office holiday parties and constantly stuffing your face can put a serious dent in your progress, and might even cause some people to fall off the bandwagon entirely. DON’T be that person. You can make it through. Here are some tips that might help you out:
1) Eat your lean protein source in advance of the party you plan to attend. This goes along the lines of having something to eat to blunt your appetite rather than arriving at a party ravenous. Once you’re at the party fill up on vegetables, staying away from the creamy sauce laden items.
2) Rather than an entire cheat meal, multiple times a week, pick a cheat item at the party you can indulge in. I did this when I had to celebrate my 3-year old’s birthday more than once. I ate clean, but indulged in birthday cake(s).
3) Limit alcohol. 2-3 a week is plenty, especially if you are aiming for fat loss. You should probably be drinking more water anyway.
4) If you’re going to a potluck, offer to bring healthy side items that you know YOU will enjoy eating. A client of mine has a serious food allergy, so if you’re in THAT boat, make SURE you bring something that won’t kill you either.
Recognize that at some point you may just run out of tricks and tips. We’ve heard them all: chew gum, stay away from the buffet table, keep your hands busy, help out the host in the kitchen, etc. You might actually WANT to enjoy one great meal with your family, tossing your cares to the wind.
And in all honesty, if it IS just one or two days (Thanksgiving and Christmas) that you intend to indulge in, you should. Get right back on track with your fitness goals and eating right. Or add some extra activity into your schedule right around the times you know you’ll be celebrating.
Run a 5K or a 10K, make it a family tradition to run a Turkey Trot, schedule an appointment with a personal trainer, chase your toddler around a bit more, and get outside and play. There’s value in traditions and spending time with your family, so live a little, but get right back on your feet the very next day!