Holiday Strategies
Holiday Strategies for Optimal Health
We all fear what happens during the holiday season; candy, cookies, pies, and pot lucks at the office, special lunch and dinner celebrations, traveling and/or vacations and, of course, more stress than normal.
Remember, Holidays are intended to be social gatherings, with friends and family.
They are not an excuse for creating EATING FRENZIES.
Plan fun activities to make the day special. Include group walks or sports activities.
Did you know? The average weight gain over the Holiday season is 6-8 pounds!
Wouldn’t it be great to fall below the average?
Let’s go over a few strategies that will help you get through this tempting time.
1. Seek Support! Through your family, Health Coach and support calls.
2. Eat a Low Calorie/Low-Glycemic snack every 2-3 hours.
3. Eat healthy fast foods…keep your fuelings close by!
4. Fuel up before going to a party, don’t go to any event hungry!
5. POTLUCK? Bring a Healthy Dish you know you can enjoy
6. DO NOT Stand Next to the Buffet Table!
7. Eat more of the salads and green veggies at a dinner party and make the
lean protein a “side dish”
8. Avoid Portion Distortion, use only small plates! Fill this small plate with
veggies first!
9. Learn to ‘eyeball’ the proper serving size that is right for you and stick with
them when dining out or dishing up meals.
10. Special holiday food you can’t live without? Take one or two bites, just a taste
and you will be surprised how satisfying it is.
11. Try not to serve family meals ‘family-style’. Keep full dishes away from the
table where it is all too easy to serve extra helpings!
12. Modify recipes to lower fats and sugars. Contact your Health coach for
assistance.
13. Send all high calorie foods home with someone you don’t like.
14. Put a sugar free mint or gum in your mouth to keep from nibbling
15. Watch out for high sugar drinks. Opt for zero calorie drinks.
16. Ask for sparkling water and lime instead of beer and wine
17. Be the Designated Driver. If you do drink, drink responsibly. Limit yourself to a
light beer or glass of wine
18. Physical activity, walks and games, are a good way to burn calories.
19. Give gifts of raw almonds, tea, dark chocolate and red wine.
20. Do not throw in the towel for the week because of one over indulgence.
21. Use the Holidays as an opportunity to be a role model for healthier living to
those around you.
Have Fun!!!! Become great at mingling…Be the Healthy life of the party!!!
My Daily Holiday Schedule
Time What I Ate
____________ Wake up
____________ Breakfast ____________________
____________ Mid Morning _________________
____________ Lunch _____________________
____________ Mid Afternoon ________________
____________ Dinner _____________________
____________ Evening ____________________
Snacks __________________________________
Type of exercise today_______________________________________
I exercised for how long? _______________
Today I feel…______________________________
My Challenges were__________________________
What did learn? ____________________________
My Plan for tomorrow_______________________________________
______________________________________________________
I am one day closer to my healthy weight! I can do this. I Choose Health!!
