Holiday Survival!

Halloween is over and the big holidays are just around the corner! I LOVE this time of year! I know, though, that for some it’s a time to panic over the possibility of gaining weight being faced with all the treats and goodies of the season. So let’s talk about some tips to survive this holiday season without adding a spare tire (or two) to our midsection.

• Don’t set unrealistic goals for the holiday season! This is not the time to plan on losing 20 lbs.! Nor is it a good idea to go into the season saying “I will not eat any sweets or fattening foods.” You are just setting yourself up for failure. Set a goal of maintaining your current weight rather than losing or set a very minimal weight loss goal.
• Allow yourself some treats! I don’t mean go crazy and eat everything in sight on a daily basis for the next two months. What I mean is, consider the treats that are your favorite and allow yourself a serving. You don’t have to take a serving of every offering on the dessert buffet. Pick one or two favorites and enjoy them guilt-free.
• Eat till you’re satisfied – not till you’re full! Stuffing yourself till you can’t move from the table is not going to get you the results you want. Take smaller servings and eat till you’re no longer hungry. Believe me, you’ll feel better after Thanksgiving dinner this way and be able to enjoy the rest of the day with your family rather than lying on the couch moaning in pain.
• Find a buddy! Having someone else to motivate you along the way can really help! Find someone with similar goals who you can check in with weekly, or even daily!
• Plan, plan, plan! If you just decide to wing it, you’re going to cave and eat, eat, eat. Plan ahead, decide your calorie limit for each event, and throw in a little common sense to boot and you’ll find the holidays are not something to dread, but to enjoy.

Focus on the true meanings of each holiday rather than the food, plan some activities and traditions that don’t just involve eating, and treasure each moment you have with your loved ones. After all, when it’s all over and done with, what do you want to remember most about the holiday season?