8 Tips To Keep You On Track This Holiday Season

This is the hardest time of the year to stay focused to the commitment and goals you established Jan. 1.

November 1st is usually when we start talking, planning, mentally preparing for the holiday feast. We begin envisioning the roasted turkey on the table with all the sides---baked macaroni, stuffed peppers, greens, cornbread, sweet potato pie, cakes, AND that huge pot of gumbo!

With that being said, let's approach this holiday season a little differently than we've indulged previously.

Before we changed our lifestyle, we would OVERINDULGE just because it was the holiday season. We gave ourselves permission to eat until we just couldn’t eat another bite. By the end of the day, the only thing we could do was unbutton our pants, sit down somewhere and literally fight to just BREATHE...(let that sink in)

Don’t do what we use to do and probably what sounds very familiar to you.

This year, keep your holiday healthy. You can still enjoy your Thanksgiving favorites without the guilt, weight, misery, or health hazards from overeating.

Remember, Thanksgiving is not about being stuffed. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and spending quality time with family & friends.

As the year comes to a close, don’t allow the holiday season to derail all the effort and progress you've made thus far.

1. Stay active.

This is not the time of the year to abandon your workout regimen. Make time to get it in! Try working out first thing in the morning or you can take a walk before & after dinner. It’s important for you to maintain your workout schedule. Trust us, your body will thank you.

2. Eat breakfast.

Do not skip breakfast Thanksgiving morning. We have definitely been guilty of this one. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Instead of skipping breakfast, opt for a small, healthy breakfast to ensure your body is fueled properly. Try an egg sandwich on whole wheat toast, oatmeal, or a protein shake. Remember "saving calories" leads to eating what you saved and much, much more. Stick to your normal routine.

3. Cook healthier holiday versions.

If you are cooking dinner or bringing a dish, make them healthier. Simple ingredient or seasoning swaps can help you create delicious dishes without the additional calories, fat, sodium, and sugar.

4. Consume smaller portions.

Avoid the temptation of seeing the food and eating all the food. Take inventory of what is available and fill your plate with smaller portions of a well balanced meal. Here are a few things you can do:

• Increase the veggies.

• Stick to one roll OR a slice of cornbread — not both.

• Choose between the baked macaroni OR mashed potatoes.

Remember, left overs are even better. What you don’t eat on turkey day, you can have for lunch or dinner the next day.

5. Skip seconds.

Do we really need to explain this one? Control is a choice. Remember that.

6. Eat slow.

Slow down. Taste your food. Chew your food. Enjoy the table conversation. Don’t be in such a hurry to finish your plate because you are planning for seconds. Remember tip #5.

7. Limit alcohol consumption.

We recommend bracketing water between your alcoholic beverages (8oz water / adult beverage / 8oz water). It’s important to stay properly hydrated. Between the alcohol, increase in sugar and sodium consumption, the additional water will help to flush your system and keep you well hydrated.

8. Be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!