Holidays can be rough. Beer, BBQs, cakes & cookies, galore!
You’re doing well, you’ve been following a healthy diet and lifestyle for some time, and then BAM, you have a wedding or birthday party to attend, or in our near-future-case, July 4th.
How do you stay on track?
How do you not succumb to that hotdog that just seems to be calling your name?
My friends, preparation is KEY to success.
Here are 4 things you can do to stay on track:
1) Make one of you favorite dishes to bring along.
Prepare or bring something that is healthy & delicious, and then rely on that for a large portion of your meal.
Need some ideas?
Quinoa Salad
Ginger-Lime Grilled Shrimp
Fruit Salad
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad
2) Have a small serving of what others have brought, with a focus on whole foods: protein, vegetables, and fruit.
Rather than declaring to the group that you are eating healthy, on a diet, focusing on weight loss, looking to increase your energy through your food choices, etc., it’s best to be quiet about what you’re doing unless outwardly asked.
Going back to Step 1, fill most of your plate with the dish that you brought and then add a small portion of what others brought. I don’t like to make a big fuss about being a healthy eater or everyone starts to give you their opinion and act like a nutritionist. I eat my dish, along with some of theirs, and no one even notices. I get to eat well and avoid any heated nutrition debates (as you know, everyone has an opinion on food!).
3) Bring a dessert.
It’s no fun to feel like you are depriving yourself and you shouldn’t have to (just keep the goals you’ve set for yourself in mind).
Even if you don’t follow a strict Paleo diet you can pretty much google the healthier alternative of any food just by putting the word “paleo” right before the word, such as: Paleo Pizza, Paleo vanilla cupcakes, Paleo chocolate pudding. Paleo just means it was made with whole, natural foods.
Dessert suggestions:
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate Mousse
Coconut Nut Bars
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
4) Workout prior to holiday festivities.
Sweet, salty, and fatty foods are addictive, and create a feel good dopamine response in the brain which makes you crave more.
You can make a drastic and immediate change in your body by choosing to move your body (run, bike, do yoga, dance, swim, etc.) prior to any large events where you know these foods will be creeping around.
By experiencing this feel good dopamine response through movement, you are lessening the likelihood of craving it from your food choices.
Then, you are free to fuel your body with high-quality nutrient dense foods that will keep you strong & steady (and in alignment with your goals) all day long.
Bring a couple dishes, eat a bit of the others, and move your body prior to the festivities.
The key is preparation and moderation. You can do this!
Have a happy & safe 4th of July – and be sure to tag me in photos on Facebook orInstagram of anything delicious you are eating.
