Notice how I said “maintain your progress” instead of “lose 10 pounds during the holidays?” I used to make stupid bets with myself that not only would I not gain 5 pounds, I would make a goal and lose it instead to prove that you don’t have to gain weight because it’s Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year’s.
Well, my mindset has changed over the years. I want to enjoy the holidays without feeling like I have to push myself to hit a certain goal. I want to enjoy the sugar cookies and eat more red meat than usual and feel okay about it, ya know? So instead of focusing on progress, I choose to focus on maintenance. I don’t want to undo some of the work I put in this year but I also don’t want to be super hard on myself either.
Here are some tactics that work for me:
1- Track what you eat and drink – You don’t have to track calories or something like that, but just making the effort of writing down what you’re putting in your body will make you much more aware of mindless eating and realizing that some foods just aren’t worth it.
2- Drink extra tea and lemon water – Yes, there are health benefits to both of these but I actually use them more for craving busters when I want sugar! The more sugar I eat, the more I want so this helps keep it under control. My favorite tea is Good Earth’s Sweet and Spicy. It’s reeeaaallllyy cinnamon-forward and knocks cravings out like you wouldn’t even believe. Lemon water is super refreshing and also helps alkalize your body. It works great for cravings too.
3- Exercise for 30 minutes daily – This one is self-explanatory but seriously. Do it.
4- Fill your plate with veggies first.
5- Don’t add extra salt to your food.
6- Take a probiotic or enzyme supplement to help digest foods that your body isn’t used to eating regularly.
7- Continue to weigh yourself but don’t worry about it. I know this is easier said than done but when you avoid the scale after a week of holiday eating, you’re going to fear it. When you take it one or 2 days at a time, it’s way less scary and you’ll see that the numbers will fluctuate both ways, hopefully to even themselves out.
