10 Survival Tips for the Holiday Season

Get out of the holidays while still being able to get into the clothes you love. Follow these 10 survival tips this holiday season and stay fit!

The holiday season is upon us once again and with that comes food and a whole lot of it! Food has a major impact on our social lives, making it natural for people to use food to welcome friends and guests. Food helps bond people together and provides us with a sense of belonging. Food often carries strong associations, particularly this time of the year. It affects our emotions; it is part of our culture, and it is part of our social experience.

Unfortunately, some of us use this time of the year as an excuse to let go and let loose and eat just about anything presented to us. Up to this point, you may be doing so well with your diet that you resent this time of the year. Your will power has to kick into gear, and you don’t know if you've got what it takes to stay clear of all your favorite holiday indulges, especially if some just come once a year.

So what to do this holiday season to keep you on track and keep those pounds from adding up on the scale?

Set Positive Intentions for the Holiday Season

“I will make healthy and delicious food choices that will nourish and energize my body.” The purpose of intentions is to empower you to take action and enforce discipline. Think of twenty-five intentions you could use every day leading up to the holiday to remind you to stay on track and keep those pounds from adding up.

Practice Mindfulness this Holiday Season

Mindful eating equals intentional eating. When you practice mindful eating, you set intentions that allow you to make proper conscious choices that serve your body best. Stop and appreciate the food that you put into your mouth. Slow down and savor each morsel. Not only can this help prevent bingeing sessions and help you make wiser choices but you will also enjoy good wholesome food much more.

Pick Your Food Battle

Food provides us with a sense of comfort and security. You may crave comfort foods that are associated with the holiday season. If you feel you have to indulge in your favorite foods, it may be because food represents a sense of comfort and security for you. If this is the case, then pick only one thing to indulge in.

Don’t Go Hungry

If you’re invited to someone’s house during the holiday for dinner, try to avoid arriving hungry. Eat something before heading off to your holiday party. Have something with protein or some fiber rich, water-dense foods. Something as simple as a smoothie with some greens such as Sunwarrior protein powder and chia seeds can help keep you satiated and avoids overindulging.

Bring a Dish

Offer to bring a dish to the party to help you stick with your diet. Sometimes we attend parties and find that there really is nothing healthy to eat. Unfortunately, you arrive starving, and the social pressure gets to you, and you cave in. Instead, offer to bring something you know you can eat and love. Make something healthy and nutrient dense and avoid turning into a food gremlin.

Make it Veggie-Licious

One of the ways to help keep your weight in check is to pile on the veggies. Make sure that your plate contains lots of vegetables. Vegetables are nutrient rich, and the fiber will help keep you fuller longer.

Eat Protein

Protein helps keep your blood sugar down. It is a good idea to eat enough protein to avoid cravings. When protein is eaten with carbohydrates, it can slow the release of glucose. Protein also promotes fat-burning, keeps insulin in check and therefore you’re less prone to store belly fat.

Portion, Portion, Portion

Portion control is pivotal! Pace yourself. Avoid piling up your plate with a ton of food. Instead, eat less and practice mindful eating and enjoy food more.

Reduce Stress and Take Some Time for You

This time of the year can be so stressful with all the holiday shopping, party hopping, gift giving and food indulging, that we forget about taking care of ourselves. Go for a walk, do yoga, treat yourself to a massage or simply sit alone and breathe. Do something that can help calm your nervous system and manage stress better.

Practice Gratitude

As the year comes to an end, set aside some time to reflect on all the good that has come to you this year. Be thankful for your family, friends, and the food that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Start the New Year with a smile, set good healthy intentions and feel renewed with promises that the New Year will bring.

Have a protein apple pie smoothie!

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