According to Fox News, nearly half of Americans forgo their diet during the holiday season. When there are Christmas cookies, festive dinners, and seasonal brews to consume who would want to stick to a boring, bland meal plan?
If you’re wanting to enjoy your holiday season to the fullest without sacrificing your diet, here are a few ways you can stay strong when faced with platters of sugar cookies and hearty home-cooked meals.
Plan Ahead
Waiting to make a diet game plan is only going to set you up for failure. You know your habits and your downfalls, so be sure to have a plan in place to help you stick to your predetermined diet. Whatever tactics you choose to help you stay on track, it’s best to think through your options ahead of time so that you’re not depending on your reaction in a moment of temptation.
Ask For Accountability
If you’re trying to maintain a diet in the midst of holiday parties and big dinners, it’s impossible to do it alone. Ask a trusted friend or family member to hold you accountable to your dietary restrictions. If they see you reaching for a food that you should be avoiding, they can help keep you in check. Sometimes the added pressure of another set of eyes can be helpful, especially if you have weak willpower when it comes to your food choices.
Find Alternative Foods
You can find always alternatives to traditional holiday foods that better suit your dietary needs. For example, instead of going to town on mashed potatoes and gravy during Christmas dinner, you can make garlic mashed cauliflower with fresh herbs for added flavor. In place of sugary deserts full of fats and carbs, you can prepare trays of fresh sweet fruits. Give yourself a chance to explore and experiment with foods that honor your traditions and are better for your health!
Eat Beforehand
It’s much easier to give in to tempting foods when you’re hungry. Before you attend a celebration with lots of unhealthy food options, be sure to eat beforehand. This will decrease your likelihood of eating an excessive amount of junk food and help keep you from overeating.
Everything In Moderation
At the end of the day, it’s not a crime to enjoy a glass of champagne or a slice of fruit cake. The most important thing is that you don’t overdo it. If you’re careful to eat your favorite holiday treats in moderation, it shouldn’t do much harm to you. Plus, you’ll enjoy that food much more if you limit yourself and savor every bite.
