Ask Misty by Misty Green

I'm not a competitor (yet) but I've worked really hard this year at leading a healthy and fit lifestyle. I know this time of year is the toughest for me. I just can't seem to resist all the good food and plethera of desserts that come with the holiday season. There's a part of me that wants to stick to eating healthy because it's taken me all year to get in good shape and then there's another part of me that feels I've denied myself long enough and I deserve a break. Are there any tips or advice you can give to help me meet a happy medium?
Holiday Hunger, Ga

Misty Green

You are not alone! I'm sure 99.9% of us love the holiday season and the goodies it brings with it. And 99.9% of probably feel somewhat guilty after the holiday season is over and we realize we have indulged a bit to much. There is nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy in the festive treats just as long as it's in moderation. Here are some tips that I hope help:

Make the occasional party the exception to your diet, NOT the rule or standard during the holiday season.
Splurging once in a while is not a big problem. However, not returning to your normal healthy eating the next day is a mistake. Don't let one or two holiday events be the excuse for falling off the wagon till New Year's! Otherwise, you've erased all the hard work you put in all year long.
 
Prepare so you don't arrive on an empty stomach.
Have a light, healthy snack or proteing shake shortly before you leave for the party. If you can't eat something before arriving at the party, drink a large glass of water when you first arrive. By taking the edge off your hunger, you can approach the buffet table with control and be less likely to make impulsive choices at the party.

Choose wisely from the foods available at the holiday party.
If you look carefully, you'll find there are often acceptable healthy choices available to you. Concentrate on the protein rich foods first as well as fruits & veggies: cocktail shrimp, smoked salmon, and fresh fruit or vegetable platters. Go easy on the accompanying sauces and dips. Mixed nuts, particularly almonds, are good sources of protein, but be wary of candied nuts or extremely salty nut mixes.

Eat slowly.
It takes our body about 20 minutes to realize that we are full. Also, the slower you eat, the less food you'll eat as opposed to eating fast in the same amount of time. Try the 3-bite method. Take a small portion of the desired treat. Before you jump in and swallow it without a thought, take a good look at it and tell yourself, "I get three bites!" After the first bite, think, "WOW, that was great and I'm not even through!" Then take the second bite while telling yourself, "I'm only halfway through. This is delicious!" Then get ready for the third bite and think, "I'm really going to enjoy this. It's my last bite, but this food isn't leaving the planet anytime soon, so I can have three bites again next cheat day!" Enjoy!

Consider volunteering to host the party yourself.
There's no better way to ensure that there will be diet-friendly, healthy choices on the menu than by throwing the party yourself. If someone else is hosting the party, offer to bring food to the party so that you can be sure to prepare something that fits into your diet program. At least there will be one dish on the buffet that you can enjoy without worrying about the calorie count!
 
Focus on the people, not the food.
Remember that the holidays are about friends and family. Cherish the time you get to spend with those you care about.

STAY ACTIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS!!!

I hope these few tips help and have a Happy Thanksgiving! As always, I'm open to suggestions. If anyone has any other great tips feel free to let me know and I will share with our wonderful readers here at Hardfitness.


"The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are; first-hard work, second-stick-to-it-iveness, and third-common sense."
- Thomas Edison

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

- John Wooden

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