The key to keeping extra holiday weight at bay is to recognize the pitfalls and find ways to avoid them. Here are two examples:
Pitfall #1: Pressure to eat "bad" foods
Holiday time is when more than the usual amount of "goodies" appear; such as - an abundance of sugary sweets and fatty appetizers. Also, the "well-meaning enablers" start to push plates at you, and you begin to feel trapped. This can result in succumbing to foods with little to no nutritional value for the sake of not hurting a host's feelings or fitting in socially.
SOLUTION: Give the group a heads-up.
Prior to attending a party or event where food is likely to be a focal point, let your family and friends know that you're focusing on your nutrition so they don't sabotage your efforts (easier said than done, I know).
If people start to make comments, there is no need to get preachy about their choices—just confidently explain yours. They don't have to change their own habits, but once they realize you are serious, they should respect yours.
Pitfall #2: Viewing the holidays as a battle
Many of us regard the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day as one long stretch of holiday temptation. Holiday time is only a battle/struggle if you treat it as such.
SOLUTION: Change your mindset about the holidays.
You get to make choices every day, whether it's a holiday or not: to eat nutritious food or junk, to work out or not, to spend time with people or not. Try using the words "I choose to" instead of "I have to". This simple change in mindset can make a world of difference in terms of your energy, moving you from being a passive victim into being an active participant in your health.
Of course you can indulge..a little...just don't make it an every day event, not if you're serious about taking care of your body!
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