Have you ever heard someone say that it's harder to eat healthy during the holidays? It's a common excuse, but if you stop to think about it, eating on December 31st is really no different than eating today.
It is often true, however, that holidays present different challenges to maintaining a healthy eating plan.
There are a number of factors that can require a higher level of discipline to eat the way we know makes us feel good physically and emotionally. A few factors include: greater accessibility of high sugar and high fat foods; emotional cues that connect the joy of spending time with friends and family to the action of eating; or the added stress of the "holiday bustle".
One key habit of those who maintain a healthy diet throughout holiday seasons, is developing a realistic eating plan. Your plan should identify times and/or locations when you will feel challenged, and a very clear set of actions that you intend to take to be successful with your healthy diet.
Your coach will be able to assist you in building your plan for success.
Here are a few tips to help you not just survive but thrive during the holiday season:
Portion Control. Don't deprive yourself of all of your holiday favorites. Go ahead and eat the foods you love, but avoid overdoing it. Take just a few bites to satisfy that craving. Deprivation is not a long-term solution, but discipline is.
Hydrate. Often thirst is mistaken for hunger, so you can avoid overeating by simply staying hydrated.
Party Prep. Never go to a party feeling famished. Filling up your plate with large portions is a guarantee of excess calorie intake. Before the party, drink a glass of water and eat a light snack.