Yep, it is that time of year again! A lot of gatherings surrounded by food and treats at every turn. While this season does require some discipline, it doesn't have to leave you feeling deprived. These are a few of my personal guidelines and recommendations.
1. PLAN AHEAD - Plan your events. Next, plan your workouts to support your calorie intake. Then, plan your meals. If you don't want to sweat for it at the gym then don't put it in your mouth! (Side note- Calories should not be your only concern. Quality of food and how that food effects your body is a serious concern. Be respectful of your body and do not trash it or starve it.) SO, if you know you are going to have a heavy meal, treat, or party to attend then you need to eat very clean before and after.
2. DRINK WATER & SWEAT - Mostly likely your body will be processing a lot of treats, alcohol, and for some people animal meat. Your body needs a lot of water to process all that and flush the nasty stuff out. I highly recommend a warm yoga, dance class, or something similar to loosen the body, twist the spine, and relieve the skin.
3. BUDGET & SPLURGE WISELY - You'd be surprised how many treats I get away with. With that said, I'm VERY picky on what I deem "worth it". For one, I don't eat cheap treats. I stay away from artificial sugar and coloring. If someone makes me something special, if it is a nostalgic treat, or a favorite, then I will let myself have it. I don't eat out of politeness, I don't emotional eat, and I don't eat just because it is available. Think about why you are eating it. Is it worth the consequence? Have you earned it? If you practice exercising your self control regularly, then you will actually get to indulge more.
4. EAT BEFORE - I rarely go anywhere without eating or without personal food close by. I always eat a small meal before parties or gatherings. I eat a big meal if I already know there won't be any healthy and desirable choices available. Do not go into a gathering hungry. It will be hard to resist, and if you do, you will be starving which will screw up your metabolism and so forth.
5. REMORSE or REWARD? - How will you feel after? Will you feel proud of yourself and have dessert when you get home? Will you pretended you don't care... but honestly, beat yourself up later? Hopefully, you will feel proud or just know that you need to eat a little cleaner the next few days. I truly hope you don't compromise your goals and health for temporary satisfaction.
Repeating a few points:
- Do not skip meals. Eat small portions frequently. Forget the silly rules and dieting scams and just eat really high-quality food.
- Be very wise about your meat and sugar intake. If not consumed cautiously, meat and sugar spike and plummet your system. Both will throw off your body creating more cravings and meat will clog up your digestive system. If you do consume animal products, small portions of the most natural based sources you can.
- Eat a healthy meal or snack before social meals and gatherings.
- Drink a bottle of water before you enter a party for gathering.
- After eating heavy, the next day, you should get outside and into nature to reset.
Eat healthy, sweat, and enjoy the holidays!!
Much love and gratitude, Kate
