Last week, we took a look at how to get through the candy-fueled holiday that is Halloween. How’d you do? I stuck to my strategy and bought gummy candies that I don’t like so I wouldn’t be tempted. And unlike last year, I handed all of the candy out, so I wasn’t left with any. What are you doing with any leftover candy? Give yourself permission to throw it out. It’s less harmful to you than actually eating it just because you don’t want to waste it. Think about it.
One of the strategies I mentioned last week is to think of the time period between Halloween and New Year’s Eve as one long buffet table. Because it is. We kick off with the candy of Halloween, crash into the eating frenzy that is Thanksgiving, run full-tilt through Chanukah and Christmas (Latkes! Seven fishes! Candy canes! Oh my!) Then we cap it off with a champagne-fueled party at New Year’s Eve. Is it any wonder that one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight?
Rather than wait for a fresh start in January, why not get started now? You can absolutely get through the holidays without gaining weight, and here’s how you can do it:
- Clarify your goal. At the holiday time, it’s a big win if you maintain your weight, so consider starting with that.
- List the specific steps you’ll take to reach your goal. Examples include (but aren’t limited to):
I will eat a sensible breakfast daily
I will exercise 4 times per week
I will eat a big salad with lean protein for lunch 3 times per week
I will keep a food diary so I know exactly what I’m eating and where I need to watch myself
- Understand when you’ll attend events that may challenge you, and be prepared for them. This means eating really healthfully leading up to the event and afterward and enjoying only those small treats that are really worth it.
- And most importantly, understand that every time you eat, you’re making a decision. So when you’re tempted by Aunt Martha’s eggnog or Uncle Lou’s sausage stuffing, ask yourself: Do I really want to eat this, or do I want to reach my goal? As long as more often than not, the answer is “reach my goal” you’ll be in good shape.
Do you have a holiday recipe that can use a make-over? Click here to send it to me, and I’ll be happy to make one of your family favorites a little more healthful.
The Coming Weeks
Holiday Recipes That Won’t Pack on the Pounds
Strategies for the Mother of All Food Holidays: Thanksgiving
Recipes!
Tags: Goals, holidays, Thanksgiving, Weight Management
