The holiday season is probably the most difficult time of year to live a healthier lifestyle. There are social gatherings and food temptations at every turn, making it very easy to fall off the wagon and ruin so many of your hard-earned results. Not to mention, it can be very stressful mentally trying to think of everything that goes into your mouth.
Our take on the holidays? Make the best choices you can in the moment and leave room for your favorite traditional meals and treats.
Here are some of our proven tips to help you navigate the holidays without stress:
Eat Clean Whenever You Can
Most holiday functions do not last an entire day & night including all three meals. When you’re not at a function and a meal is in your own hands, make it a good choice. Have fruit or a smoothie for a light breakfast and choose healthy snacks in the afternoon. Leave yourself room to indulge a little at your special event.
Drink Your Greens Every Day
No matter how hectic the day ahead may be, there’s always time to grab a green juice and drink it on your way. Keeping up your daily green habit will ensure for better digestion and less unhealthy cravings.
Fill Your Plate with as Much “Good” as Possible
When you’re sitting down to a multi-course, huge family dinner, fill the majority of your plate with the healthiest options available. Choose salad, simple vegetables, baked potato, turkey or chicken…and take less of the less-than-ideal options. Fill-up on the lighter foods first and save the richer options for last. You will likely eat less of them this way, but still get to enjoy them.
Think Before You Eat
While your food choices should definitely NOT consume your thoughts on a holiday, it is wise to try the simple practice of just thinking before you eat an unhealthy food. For example, is the cookie in your hand something you really love and look forward to all year? Or is it just another one of countless desserts being thrown at you over the course of many days that truly, you could care less about? Don’t ruin your results for foods that don’t even matter to you.
Bring Something Delicious & Healthy to Share
Bringing something with you that everyone can enjoy and that also aligns with your health goals. You can fill up on this and then have smaller portions of whatever else is available. If judgment from others is a concern for you, make sure to bring something delicious that they will also enjoy trying. This will shift any potential negative energy to genuine curiosity, which will create a more positive experience all around.