Christmas diet

I definitely go right along with the magazines… December is the month of sweets and anything delightful! January (or for me the first week anyway) is the month to make up for December. I am already seeing how that sugar withdrawal week will go…. Yikes!

Source RecipeGirl

While teaching Pilates this week, a topic came up about avoiding gaining weight during the holidays. For me, I don’t focus on that any more than I would if it was another ordinary month. I have a way that I eat. I try to eat healthy, but when that doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal. If I eat junk for lunch, then I try to eat something healthy for dinner. Not that complicated. When I get more junk in my diet, I then will have a week or so that I focus more on the nutrition I need.

Also, I don’t like fast food. If I eat “fast food” then it’s Panera Bread, Chipotle, or Five Guys… Not too fast. I stay away from soda and when I have my kitchen stocked, I usually have waaaaaay more fresh food in the fridge than frozen food in the freezer. I like to see what goes in my meal… I like it to be very clear.

But between Thanksgiving and Christmas, my daily diet definitely goes down the drain. It's funny to see how I make up for it. Today, I am giving you my top 6 tips to keep up with the holiday!

1. When sweets are out to grab, also put out carrots and celery with some sort of dip. For me, the dip makes the vegetables seem more special and I then proceed to eat twice as many veggies than sweets … Usually it would be reverse.
2. Make sure you eat a little protein when pigging out. Left over chicken leg in the fridge? Cheese out on the cutting board? Man this saves me! Instead of eating three times as many sweets and then collapsing with a sugar crash and over-eating a full blown meal that I didn’t really  need, I have a much less severe crash. I’ve gotten some protein in.
3. When you are snacking. Stop as soon as you realize you are now only eating because you are either a) bored or b) trying to be comfortable in that awkward conversation. Stop now. Be happy later.
4. Keep up your fitness routine. Don’t let yourself get down. First of all, working out usually works off those calories. Also, you know we are going to totally (and caringly) kick your butt when you come back in to see us ;)
5. Keep the treats hidden. You know where to find them if you want them, but be sure they are behind closed cupboards. In the open, keep something you know you will be happy to grab but is also a healthier option… For me? It’s currently cheese and crackers! Crackers are on top of the fridge and I see them as soon as I walk into the kitchen!
6. And finally, Christmas parties! If you find yourself drinking beers, martinis, wine or anything in that same category, cut out the sweets. If I find myself enjoying cocktails, I definitely count that as my guilty pleasure for the day and say goodbye to the sweets. Once I start eating the sweets, I won’t stop until I am in a sugar/alcohol coma.

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. These are only my opinions and my personal habits. I realize they aren’t all completely healthy… but hey! It’s Christmas season!

Happy holiday eating :)

Morgan