It’s only a few days, enjoy it!
I often hear people say they cannot enjoy themselves during a holiday meal because they are dieting. The holidays become a time to fear instead of a time to enjoy.
There are a few things wrong with this situation. First, no one should pick the holidays as a time to diet. Secondly, if you eat healthy throughout the year, you wouldn’t have to worry about a holiday meal. What’s the big issue? Do you really eat that much more at a holiday meal? Do you sit at the table feasting for hours on end?
If you eat a couple of holiday meals with the same healthy portion sizes you normally use, you shouldn’t gain 5 pounds during the holidays.
At the same time, I recognize that there are treats and great food everywhere around us during the holidays. So, for those who forget the basics to supportive nutrition, I suggest keeping in mind the following simple tips. Remember, maintaining your nutrition success throughout the holiday season is actually possible.
First, make breakfast a priority and plan it. Breakfast is key if you want your body to burn fat all day long. This obviously is not a new idea, but when the season changes, people forget the basics when it comes to maintaining and continuing their fitness and nutrition plan. Breakfast should consist of the “Rule of 3,” a starchy carbohydrate, fibrous carbohydrate, and a lean protein. If you need assistance with this, pick up a copy of Trinity’s cook book,“Fit Eats!”
Second, do not skip any meals. It is very easy to go all day shopping from store to store and realize you have not made time to eat. Your body’s nutrition needs do not change for the last two months of the year. If you have been diligent up to this point with your nutrition plan, one or two days of calorie depravation may not be the end of the world. However, if you undergo a week or two of caloric deficits, you could quickly see yourself back where you started. You worked really hard to establish good eating habits, so remember to make time for meals.
Whether you are eating out at a restaurant or waiting to get home to have dinner, you have to make sure you get the nutrition your body needs to keep energy levels high and metabolism at an optimal level.
And finally, drink plenty of water. When you find yourself on the go, make sure you stay hydrated. Try drinking a glass or two before a party or big holiday dinner. This will help prevent you from overeating. Drink a glass of cold water, not ice cold, before bed. Your body will burn extra calories while trying to elevate the temperature of the water to match your body temperature.
Start Strong, Finish Stronger!
Nathan
P.S. Need more help? Check out Trinity's Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide!
