This time of year is the hardest to maintain healthy eating. Temptations are everywhere, and stress can be high. Here are a few tips to help you continue on your path to health and happiness.
1) Don’t plan on cheating… even if it’s just a little bit. If you plan to cheat, you will cheat. Cheating will sabotage the whole process! If you have a good plan about how to enjoy the day without cheating, chances are you will. Which leads me to the next tip…
2) Be prepared. Bring Ideal Protein foods with you. If it’s a potluck, bring a dish you can eat. If you are going to ask the host if the food will be “healthy,” you must be specific about that. While the host always has good intentions, he/she doesn’t know the guidelines for Ideal Protein. There are many healthy foods that will prevent your weight loss. If you are not sure, bring a salad or veggies for yourself to go along with the turkey. And along those lines, don’t agree to make cookies for everyone because that is what you always do every year. It’s a new year, and there’s no time like the present to create new traditions.
3) Change the focus. Holidays don’t have to be entirely about food and wine. Most would agree that it’s really about being with family and friends. Make that your priority. A lot of families play games as part of their tradition. Why not get outside while you’re at it?
4) Don’t drink alcohol. I know, being with family can be stressful. Or maybe we just love the ritual of having cocktails with our meal. It’s not worth it for many reasons. Instead, make an Ideal Protein drink– blend it with ice or add some sparkling water to make a spritzer, and put it in a cocktail glass so it feels special.
5) Get creative. Creativity makes the whole process more fun. How can you substitute your holiday favorites with Ideal Protein-friendly alternatives (see menu below)?
Remember, you are in control of the outcome. Set yourself up for success and enjoy all the great things the holiday has to offer. This isn’t just a diet, it is a life change.
No need to feel left out of the traditional dinner celebrations with this menu.