PLAN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

It's that time of year that many people begin to wind down on their nutrition and fitness programs, as the holiday candy and parties begin to wind up. YOU CAN AVOID THIS TRAP!
NOW is the time to REALLY focus on your goals and take the necessary steps to STAY ON TRACK. Continue to reach for YOUR highest level of excellence - especially during the coming months.  Here are a few easy steps to get through the season feeling your BEST and enjoying the MOST!

Have a Plan B

You may not be able to continue with your regular routine because life is offering a different pattern.  You can adapt to enjoy the holidays, the food, the time.  Forget about the idea of being perfect, having a perfect diet, or keeping your normal routine.  Do the best that you can with the knowledge you have.

Make a list and check it twice

Research has shown that if you merely keep a food journal without even trying to change anything, you'll do better at holiday time simply because you don't want to write down "10 butter cookies."  There is accountability there.  It keeps you keyed in, and that helps you to enjoy the holidays more. 

Savor the Season

If you know your aunts are bringing butter cookies, have two.  Sit down and really enjoy them.  Genuinely take the time and be really picky.  Eat only the absolute best holiday treats because there is so much food and a lot of it isn't even that great - and not worth it.

Find festive fitness

Create festivities that don't revolve around food.  Take a beach break and go for a swim, or   go for a family hike or bike ride outside of the city.  If you have children, reward them with active family time (throw a Frisbee at the park), instead of rewarding with food.

Can the cream

A lot of the foods that are traditional around the holidays are innately healthy, such as the white meat of turkey is one of the leanest meats (protein source) you can eat.  Sweet potatoes are nutrient -rich and full of fiber, vitamins, and beta-carotene.  But watch out for additives.  "People douse their green vegetables in creams, and it's a shame because when you think about the culinary balance, it's nice to include something lighter and crisper."  Try topping your green beans with walnuts, a balsamic vinaigrette, and parsley.

Stuff your turkey, not yourself

Pick two indulgences and stick to those.  You will feel fully satiated and not feel that you are missing out.

Move along

Make a plate and move away from a buffet so you don't linger and pick more and more.  Another trick is to take the smaller plate at the buffet, so you fill up less quantity of food.

Easy on the eggnog

It's fine to have one or two drinks (we recommend a good glass of wine), but alternate with sparkling water or spritzer so you avoid the calories and keep your judgment in focus. 

Toss tradition

Instead of pumpkin pie, try a pumpkin flan or a custard.  Pumpkin is really healthy on its own, and most recipes can be made lighter with some research and ingenuity.

My advice for the holidays as well as other special occasions (going overseas, as well as weddings, graduations, etc.) is to evaluate what you are about to eat.  If it is something that you get EVERY YEAR, let's face it, it will be there next year, and the year after that and the year after that....just like it has been for the last umpteen years. 
Foods like these; you can either forgo, or enjoy a smaller serving.  If on the other hand, there is something special that you have never tried, or something that is not available all the time, feel free to indulge and enjoy that item to the fullest.