|
I receive daily emails asking me how to handle the holidays and still lose weight and keep
working out. I’ve been through three successful holiday seasons without gaining a single
pound, and the first Christmas in 1996 I was recovering from a serious accident. There is
hope!
This is what has worked for me:
“Lunch on Thursday with the Family”
I start with the first big meal of the season: Thanksgiving. I think of it as “Lunch on
Thursday with the family.” I wake up get in a workout, eat breakfast, have a midmorning
snack, drink lots of water and arrive with a large veggie platter and low fat dip in hand.
I bring along a change of clothes so I can grab a family member and go for a walk after.
Some years I haven’t coerced anybody to join me, so I’ve gone for a walk after dinner with
myself. Clears my head, and I reflect about what I’m grateful for. I have a lot of
dysfunction in my family, so I need the break and some time alone. My goal for the day
isn’t to see how much I can stuff myself. I eat a little bit of everything. It’s not about
depriving myself either.
Food is fuel. Everything in moderation. I help with the dishes and connect with as many
family members as I can.
I’m fortunate in that I don’t cook and I don’t have the Thanksgiving meal at my house, so
I don’t have to deal with leftovers. Often, my grandmother loads me down with leftovers
anyway as if I’m going to starve on the drive home. I take the leftovers to the local
homeless shelter and happily serve up the food to those in need. They always enjoy
grandma’s cooking.
Your Hips Will Thank You in the Morning
Haven’t we “tried” it enough? Let’s be frank. We’ve all ‘tried’ whatever is on the table
enough times to open up our own restaurant. It’s probably not going to taste any different.
Besides, the first bite is always the best bite, in my opinion.
This probably sounds harsh, but it works for me. When the “pressure feeders” are doing
their job, I just smile and reply, “Oh, I’ve already tried some and it’s fabulous.” I’m
not lying. I just didn’t say when I tried it. And my hips will thank me in the morning.
If the party or get-together has a buffet-type setup, I take one plate and pile it high
with the salads and veggies. I eat that plate first. Then, I wait in line again to allow
the “first round” to get to my stomach, and undoubtedly my second plate is not half as
full as my first. This really works for controlling portions.
Another trick I use is “I’m in training” and aren’t we all “in training” for something? Or
if you’re not comfortable with that line then just say over and over again, “Oh my gosh
all the food was so yummy, I’m just too full.” If you say it enough times you’ll convince
yourself that you’re content and don’t need the extra helpings.
Remember everything in moderation. Okay, so you don’t want to be rude. Honestly, is that
‘really’ what is going on? Or is that a convenient excuse because what you really want is
permission to eat what it is that you want? If the answer is yes, that’s fine, but let’s
not blame it on ‘people pleasing’ I’ve been to many gatherings and parties and I don’t
think anybody ever perceives me as rude because I don’t consume massive quantities of food
while I’m at their party.
Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Plan
Plan ahead to be successful. It all starts with how you approach this time of year. Sit
down for 15 minutes and design ways to save time and money. Gift Certificates are
wonderful gifts and saves tons of time. Address Christmas and Holiday cards while watching
your favorite television shows or cheering at your children’s soccer games.
I always bring something with me so when I’m waiting in line, I’m taking care of another
task that needs to get done like sending out a thank you card or returning a phone call.
Bring a change of clothes and go for a walk! This gets you away from the table and clears
your head.
If weather doesn’t permit an outdoor walk, move away from the food and start a board game.
If your family typically watches football games, just make sure you are more than an arm’s
reach from the snacks on the coffee table.
If you’re committed to enjoy the holidays and not carrying around an extra 10 pounds
because of over-indulging you are halfway there. Make the decision to prepare, plan and
participate!
|
