A New Way of Looking At the Holidays.
Everybody always talks about getting "back on track" after the holidays. But..what if we just... don't fall off track? You may be thinking I'm crazy but listen...
For 3 years of my life while I struggled with my eating disorder, I HATED the holidays and family/friend gatherings. I thought that everyone was judging me for not eating certain things and I truly thought that not hitting my calorie goal for the day or having one piece of pie was going to make me fat. I missed out on my FAVORITE HOMEMADE CHEX MIX two years in a row. Sad, I know.
For 2 years following that, I took the opposite approach. I treated these events as an all or nothing type of thing and way overdid it, leaving myself feeling like crap right after. Instead of not eating the Chex mix, I ate it until I felt sick. Instead of having 1 piece of my favorite pie, I'd have three. This all came from some made up guilt that enjoying some holiday foods was "wrong".
There has to be an in-between though. And this year, that is my goal. And I hope that you make it yours too. So sure, we may not be on our normal plan and we may eat a little over our normal calorie amount, but there's no need to get way off track. We can still enjoy the holidays and feel good about our choices.
Here are a few of my top tips that I will be implementing myself:
- Remember, the holidays are a very special time. Family (and/or close friends) are seriously such a blessing and good relationships are crucial to our quality of life. So rather than going into the holidays with an uneasy feeling, go into it with gratitude for the people you get to spend time with. Take some of the focus off of the food and put more of it into your conversations and interactions.
- Also remember, there is nothing wrong with holiday foods and you shouldn't have any guilt for the things you choose to enjoy. This seems easy but I want you to truly make yourself believe that. You are doing nothing wrong.
- Enjoy some of the foods you want, but don't feel the need to try one of every single thing and don't feel the need to eat it until you are so stuffed that you regret it all. This is where the "staying on track" can come into play. You may end up eating a bit over your calorie amount and that may put you stalled for one day.. but that's much better than way over-doing it and needing a whole week to come back to baseline. Or even worse, saying screw it and giving up on the rest of the year.
- It is your choice. The decisions you make are 100% yours. If you are okay with it taking a few days to get back to baseline, enjoy a few more things. If you are wanting to not let this throw you off, use more moderation. And I promise you, your family is not judging you. If you feel anyone is, just have a private conversation with them about how their comments get to you and I promise, they will understand. If they don't, they are just jealous of you looking after yourself.
- Pick and choose your more "indulgent" events. There are lots of holiday parties. So pick and choose a couple that you will eat a little more at and for the rest, just stick to the protein and veggie options and eat according to your goals. For example, if you have Thanksgiving with 2 different sides of the family on the same day, maybe have a couple of sides at one and then have a piece of pie at the other. Or if you have 3 parties in a week, pick one to be a little less stringent and just enjoy the company of people at the others. Again, this decision is on YOU.
- Focus on protein, veggies, and water. Rather than using every event as an excuse to eat way different than normal, keep your bases the same. Fill your plate with protein and veggies then have small portions of the other things you want. Stay hydrated throughout the day and evening and don't totally throw water out the window.
- When it comes to alcohol, well...just know that your choice matters. One glass of wine vs. the whole bottle. A lower calorie drink option vs. 6 beers. Opting for water at one event since you just drank at the one before. It's your choice. What are your goals and how much do they matter at the moment?
- Bring your own sides and/or desserts! Make a healthier side or sweet treat so you have something you know you can feel good about eating (or having more of than some other things). People will appreciate it! My spinach salad and protein date balls are always a hit with the aunts and cousins in the family!
- Get in some movement! Quit thinking that a traditional workout is the only way to go. Ask some people to go for a walk after dinner, go hike for the day, go outside and play some family kickball. Don't feel like you have to plop on the couch just because you ate more food than normal. Again, this isn't an all or nothing thing! I think it's great to show your family and friends how you live a health and active lifestyle even when conditions aren't "perfect".
- I feel like I needed a 10th point since we came this far so...eat a piece of pie for me! I know I sure will be! But don't let that turn into guilt that makes you feel you may as well eat 3 pieces.
In summary, you may not make more progress through the holidays but we don't have to fall off track. It truly is all about MODERATION. Don't feel guilty for eating a little more than normal. But also realize you are in control of your decisions over these next few months. And all of the little choices you make add up. So, drink your water, eat your protein and veggies, enjoy your family and friends, and of course...have your pie too.
Happy October!
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