How to stay on track this holiday season

As the silly season approaches and our social calendars are most likely the busiest compared to any other time of the year, it is important to maintain or improve your state of health that you have started your journey on.

Many people like to ask “Can I have this?”  This question almost always sparks a feeling of deprivation if the answer is ‘No’.  A better quality question to ask is, “Will this be beneficial for me?”  or “Does this move me forward or set me back?”

These strategies are useful to help you stay on track:

1. Volunteer to bring something to the gathering you are attending – this allows you to bring and consume food that will be kind to your body even if everything else available at the function does not suit you.
2. Keep eating normally during the day so that you are not starving during the day to allow some “space” or “caloric allowance” for the party.  Keeping your blood sugar balanced and eating adequate protein and vegetables during the day makes it less likely that you will overindulge at night.
3. Tactfully decline food and alcohol pushers – you are probably familiar with this type of person at a party who gets you to eat or drink more.  In certain cultures, this social etiquette is required to make guests feel welcome.  Tactfully tell the food and alcohol pushers that you are there for the people, not the food or booze.
4. Avoid / limit alcohol.  Alcohol is liquid sugar and provide empty calories.  Too much alcohol is also a burden on your liver which spirals you down.  Have some sparkling mineral water, limit your alcohol intake and have some lemon juice in water before your party.  You can make lovely cocktails that involve non-alcoholic beverages like chamomile tea, mint, pineapple and sparkling mineral water or fruit tea, lemon juice and soda water.
5. Stay active and value quality time together rather than focusing on the food – this is a time to spend quality time staying active with younger family members or engaging in meaningful conversations with older people.  Trekking, walking on the beach, biking or other activities that interest you and the people you intend to spend the holiday season with can be very meaningful and helps you stay on track.
6. Lastly, remember your goals.  Write them down in your diary, mobile phone or post it on your bathroom mirror.