5 Ways to Survive the Holiday Season in Style
You love this time of year; the romance, the glitter, the candles, so many reasons to be around loved ones. And, lots and lots of delicious food and drink. It’s no secret, then, that this can be a challenging time for our nutrition. Beautiful party trays overflowing with fatty appetizers, open bars with pretty cocktails (what’s one more glass of wine, right?), and all those sugary sweets.
While challenging at times, the holidays can be a joyous season to connect, have fun, and share the love. It all depends on your approach.
Want to emerge this year with a full heart and skinny waistline? Here are my personal tips to surviving the holidays:
1) Eat FIRST: In my private coaching practice I teach my clients that the best way to stick to your nutrition guns is to prepare and not leave things to chance. Don’t count on that office holiday party to include healthy food, or for your family get-togethers to have a gluten-free menu when they never have before. Eat something before the party to keep your blood sugar even and your tummy satisfied. Hunger is your worst enemy at a holiday party!
2) Choose whole foods: This is totally do-able, and will leave you ahead of the game the entire holiday season. Whole foods are those with just one ingredient, and all parties will have a sampling. Think celery, salmon, nuts, carrot sticks, salad, and so on. Avoid anything baked, creamy, greasy, and made with unknown ingredients.
3) Choose a small plate: Holiday party have multiple buffets? This can be your salvation (or your downfall). Most buffets will have a green salad, veggies, and a whole protein, so take advantage. Choose the smallest plate you can find and fill it with all the whole foods available, and a small portion of something you don’t usually eat. This way, you’ll enjoy your favorite holiday treats without going off track.
4) Limit alcohol: From wine to champagne, cocktails to rum, alcohol is often at the front of center of all holiday gatherings. However, it can have some unwelcome effects: puffy eyes, dull skin, weight gain, bloating, and more. Avoid it by alternating sparkling water with your drink, or do what my team does and enjoy a refreshing wine cooler (sparkling water with a generous splash of wine and lime). Do you have a favorite tip for avoiding overdoing it with booze during the holidays? Share it below.
5) Show it off: Dress for nutrition success. However gorgeous, don’t choose a loose top or blazer that covers everything. Opt for the fitted dress that makes you look like a star, or those slim slacks that show off your waist line. You’ll make healthier choices and be more aware of what you’re eating.
I’ve got all these tips, plus TONS of extra information, tricks, recipes, and action plans in my book, Discover Your Nutritional Style. It makes a great gift, and it’s something you’ll return to all through the year. Grab it here.
Even with a splurge here and there, if you follow these tricks you’ll emerge without weight gain and regret, and instead, look back with pride and happy memories. For an added boost, grab your family members for neighborhood walks to keep moving, or volunteer at a local shelter to bring some perspective during this busy time.
You’ve got this.
Happy Holidays!
-Holli
XO
