STOP!!

I know what you’re thinking and no, I’m not psychic. I have been there before myself. You’ve made it through Christmas relatively in one piece but you have indulged in the homemade baking goodness, the extra rum and eggnog and the tryptophan filled turkey beckoned you back for more than one helping.

Now you’re saying to yourself “Well I’ve already fallen off that proverbial wagon and the damage has been done so what’s the point of trying for the rest of the holidays?”

I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to throw in that towel just yet. You can give in to your cravings without having it derail any progress you’ve made or without making you feel like you’ve caused so much catastrophic damage that continuation of your efforts is futile (dark, I know).

There are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years that have worked for me:

1. I don’t starve myself in preparation for the big day/night – instead I eat several small snacks prior so that I don’t attend feeling like I’m running on empty and then overdo it.
2. I drink about a ton of water leading up to the event so that I feel full even before arriving – don’t forget that often when our body is telling us we’re hungry it is that we’re not getting enough water into our bodies and we’re actually thirsty.
3. While there I take several small samples of the things I want. That way my plate looks full and I feel like I’ve tried everything that I want to without walking away feeling like I need an extra notch on my belt.
4. If dealing with a sit-down situation and not a buffet, I try to eat slowly and socialize as much as possible. That way subconsciously I’m savoring my food and allowing my brain to catch up and feel full sooner.
5. I don’t stop exercising just because I’m on holidays. I love moving my body and don’t feel quite right when I’m not able to be active now. If structured classes aren’t available I’ll do something as simple as go for a bike ride earlier in the day or walk before/after the event. This allows me to metabolize my food better and I feel more energetic and upbeat.

My point is there is always a way to keep working on the goals you have set for yourself and giving in to your cravings or indulging in goodies does not translate into failure ~ ever. 

If you listen to your body and find what works for you, you will make it through the rest of the holidays and feel as if you’ve already begun an incredible new year.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing I hope you’re going to STOP and not let your enjoyment of the season bring regret but instead allow it to bring a sense of peace and joy into your heart.

Love D.