12.13.2013

Your Guide to Surviving the Holidays

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First Halloween. Then Thanksgiving. Now we’re knee deep in the holiday season...

This is around the same time when we throw our hands up and say FUDGE IT... there’s no chance in Hello Kitty Town (<--a real place you guys) that I’m staying healthy this season. TEMPTATION ABOUND.

This of course can end in total derailment.

Bacchanalian activities that lead to poor judgement and decision making {a few Hottie Totties later and you wake up in bed with the gingerbread man, powdered sugar on your face and 5 pounds heavier. No judgement}.

Here’s a little holiday trivia for ya: The average American gains 1-2 pounds during the holiday season... that can mean 20 extra pounds in 10 years! It may seem nearly impossible to not stuff our faces with every delicious looking morsel on the buffet table. But overeating leads to poor digestion, fatigue, gas, bloating, weight gain and more.

NO THANKS.

Enter your Holiday Dinner Survival Guide.
A few simple steps to a healthy, fun and guilt-free holiday...

Don’t go to gatherings hungry.
Wait a minute... isn’t the point to eat at these gatherings?? Yes, but you don’t want to go so hungry that you lose control. Make sure you eat a healthy low Glycemic Load (GL) snack beforehand, one that contains fat+fiber+protein. Some good examples are apple slices with almond butter, sprouted whole grain bread with nut butter, and raw veggies with hummus.

Stay hydrated.
Dehydration can be perceived as hunger. Also, the more alcohol we drink, the more dehydrated we get - so get your water on!

Exercise portion control.
Serve yourself tiny amounts of each dish first if you want to try many. Start there, then work your way up. Make sure you eat, then wait (the body takes 15-20 min to register fullness) before you go back for seconds. That way you get to taste a variety of dishes and avoid feeling deprived.

Make smart choices.
Pile on the veggies and go easy on meat, starch, gravy and desserts. Bring your own delicious veggie dish to a gathering if you think there won’t be many - you can be that cool guest that proves a plant-based meal can rock the tastebuds.

Proceed with caution at the dessert table.
Desserts are high in calories and sugar, which triggers the secretion of insulin = increase in fat storage (and a whole host of other bad things). Make sure you eat a well balanced meal before eyeing that dessert table. Ask to share a dessert with someone and just take a few bites. Our sweet tooth will be satisfied with less than we think.

Be social.
Engage in conversation rather than stuffing your face in a corner! Social interaction and great company fill up our “primary food” and makes us feel good and satisfied which will carry over into our appetite.

Get physical.
We not only burn calories when we exercise, but our body continues to burn calories hours afterwards. Honor your body and show it gratitude by gifting yourself an hour of invigorating movement. Of course we all know things can get crazy around the holidays too, so make it convenient! Take the stairs when you can, walk to the store, park the car further away, get your 20 minutes of workout at home with yoga apps or DVDs and simple strength training equipment. Make it work.

 
Remember to enjoy yourself and be safe this holiday season! The greatest gift you can give yourself is the love and health you deserve. If you know someone who could use some helpful tips on staying healthy this (and every) season, spread the love and forward this article to a friend! 

Bonus! Have them sign up for weekly(ish) tips at www.unveiledu.com and they'll get my free guide on 10 ways to beat cravings.

Happy & Healthy Holidays!
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