‘Tis the season for staff parties, friends-givings, and social outings galore! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you stay on track during the most wonderful time of the year.
- 1. Eat before you go.
Whether it be a potluck, cocktail party, dinner in or out at a venue- if you’re not sure what menu awaits you or what your options will be, make sure that you eat before you get there. If you are full, you will be less tempted to eat.
Another plan: After you eat, start your fasting window. That way you can’t eat and you can focus more on staying hydrated than sampling the snack tray.
- 2. Bring your own food.
Once again, if you’re not sure what food will be offered at the event, bring your own food to enjoy. Obviously this won’t works so well if you’re headed to a restaurant, but if it’s a potluck you could even bring a keto friendly dish for everyone to enjoy. That way you are guaranteed to have something to eat. Not interested in sharing? Set yourself up for success and pack your own meal.
- 3. Cook your favorite holiday foods without the carbs and sugar.
We eat real food. Instead of focusing on what you can’t have, focus on what does fit into your plan. Veggies and meat! Greens, any meat, almond flour biscuits, cheesy cauliflower, mashed cauliflower…. you still have plenty of options! And don’t forget to add some fat!
Another plan: Maybe this is a good time to start a new holiday tradition.
One year my family had the idea to have wings and walking tacos for Thanksgiving. We were still together and we were still eating good minus the stress of being preoccupied about food.
- 4. Don’t try to replicate everything.
You already know what sweet potato pie tastes like. Do you reeaallllyyy want to taint that memory by trying to make it sugar free and keto friendly? We have had our experiences with those starchy and sugary foods. Sometimes trying to replicate a dish is more stressful than just letting it go and finding a new favorite. Choose your battles wisely and put your energy towards maintaining rather than making exceptions.
- 5. Remember what the holidays are really about.
Traditionally and culturally we gather for the holidays to eat and overindulge. However, the holiday season is about family and fellowship.
Even if the holidays are a not so happy time of year for you, surround yourself with love so that you don’t sink back into old habits of emotional eating. Be intentional to be successful!
Check Your Mental
The holidays are just one day/one week. When it is all said and done, and the leftovers are all gone, do you want to be starting over or continuing your progress?
Take your power back from food!
Leave a Reply