Holidays and special events are full of good things to eat, but those good things to eat are sometimes not the same things that help you lose or maintain weight. It’s that age old question for all weight conscious people out there. How am I going to spend the next vacation without gaining weight?
Breathe, and I don’t mean you can tuck your belly into the waistband of your pants! You can get through the next big day without packing on those extra pounds if you make some easy but sensible decisions before the next big day arrives.
1.) On those holidays where candy is a main focus of the day, buy or make your own stash of sugar-free candy ahead of time. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy the day like everyone else without feeling deprived. However, be careful not to eat too many sugar-free sweets at one time. Some sugar-free ingredients can cause gas, bloating, or diarrhea when eaten in excess. (I see it as a natural reminder to eat everything in moderation.)
2.) When invited to someone’s house for a holiday meal, offer to bring a dessert to help out your hostess or at least to have in addition to the dessert your hostess is planning. There are so many wonderful low-carb, sugar-free, or natural fruit dessert recipes out there that it’s easy to find a dessert you can eat that is tasty for everyone while making sure you have something special yet viable in your own diet.
3.) Be proactive in planning your party and dinner. Instead of waiting for a good cook (who makes really good but fattening meals, scalloped potatoes and chocolate chip cake) to invite you to his house, invite him to yours! There are healthy, low-carb versions of just about every traditional holiday food. It’s easy to plan a complete special meal that will help you maintain and even lose weight.
4.) If you don’t normally keep a journal of everything you eat, starting a food journal a week before an extended vacation period could help you pass the time with incredible success. Even if you only commit to keeping a food journal until shortly after vacation (set an end date ahead of time), having such a tool can give you motivation and determination during those tough days. No one likes to tell their dairy that they ate an entire pineapple cake upside down.
5.) Deal with the stress of the special day or special event BEFORE it arises. Start walking regularly before entering stressful days. Take daily vitamin and mineral supplements to keep your body running more efficiently even when you’re running around. Commit to allowing whatever sense of humor you have to surface during the most stressful times.
Overcoming a holiday or a special event is not going to be a piece of cake. (No pun intended). However, by being realistic about tough decisions but forgiving bad decisions, you can avoid any possible major negative effects of the big day.
