Staying on Track Through the Holidays

When we are on weight loss or maintenance journey, the holiday season is tough will all of the holiday parties and meals. It starts with Thanksgiving, which is typically known as the day to stuff your face with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Not to mention, many of us have multiple dinners to attend to be able to see everyone in the family. If we are not careful, losing control of our eating during the holiday season can make us spiral out of control. Instead, try these tips to stay on track, while still enjoying the holiday and your favorite holiday foods. 

• Positive Mindset
• Rather than dreading going to holiday family gatherings because of food temptations and questions from family members, go in with a positive attitude. Be open to discussing your goals with family members. Maybe you will even motivate some to join you on your healthy journey.
• Support System
• Lean on a friend or family member who is going through the same journey as you during the holiday season. Keep in touch with them to help hold them, and yourself accountable. 
• Go In With a Plan
• Having a plan will help keep you focused and on track after arriving at a holiday party or event
• Once you have a plan, stick to it. Let it be an unbroken promise to yourself so you feel more obligated to stick with it. 
• Know Your Portions
• Stick with the same portions that you eat on a regular basis. Bust because it is a holiday, does not mean that you have to completely load your plate with food.
• Don't Arrive Hungry
• Have a high protein meal before arriving so that your hunger does not cause you to binge on unhealthy foods. 
• Load Up on Usual Choices
• Fill your plate with the foods that you are used to eating- protein and lots of vegetables. Doing so will leave little room for the more unhealthy options. However, it is a holiday, so leave yourself room for a small serving of your holiday favorites.
• Choose Your Treat
• Choose one food to indulge in; whether it be a dessert or extra serving of your favorite side dish. Show yourself that you have control over your health and wellness goals by not totally indulging and making yourself too full of unhealthy food options. 

The holidays are a good chance to prove to yourself that you can stay on a weight loss and maintenance plan while still having a flexible diet. You do not have to completely cut certain foods out of your life to stay on track. Just be smart, plan ahead and get plenty of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.