How to Keep the Holidays from Wrecking Your Diet
As fun as they are, the holidays can wreak havoc on your healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for enjoying the holiday to the fullest, with no regrets when it’s all over.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
There’s a well-known truth within the diet, fitness, and weight loss industry: about a third of the revenue for the entire year comes in during in the month of January, because losing weight and getting in shape remain the most popular New Year’s resolutions.
The idea that we will clean up our act on January 1st can lead us to indulge even more recklessly. As a result, those who exercise reasonable restraint and indulge in moderation throughout the year suddenly let go of the reins altogether! Despite what you may tell yourself, I don’t think this actually enhances our enjoyment of the festivities.
For one thing, we get a lot less pleasure per calorie when we overindulge than we do when we indulge in moderation. Because the fifth Christmas cookie or third cup of eggnog doesn’t taste anywhere near as good as the first. Plus, the anxiety about what it’s going to take to undo the damage come January 1st is never that far below the surface.
What If This Year Were Different?
This year, instead of a New Year’s Resolution, I’m making a New Year’s Pre-Solution. I’m not talking about spending December on a diet or avoiding everything I love. I’m talking about enjoying the holidays mindfully and to the fullest—and ringing in the New Year with no regrets.
Top Tips for Enjoying the Holiday
Save it for the good stuff. There are lots of treats and temptations around this time of year but not all of them are worth indulging in. Instead of mindlessly noshing on everything that crosses your path, hold out for the stuff that’s really worth it. See more in my Rules for Splurging.
Don’t abandon your healthy habits. You may end up eating a little more sugar or drinking a little more alcohol this next month than you usually do. Now is not the time to also stop exercising or ease up on the vegetables. Keep your healthy habits going and those holiday indulgences will do a lot less damage. Schedule in time for a brisk walk before getting dressed for the party. Once there, load up at the raw vegetable platter before hitting the cookie tray.
See also: Ways to Eat Better During the Holidays
Set smart goals for a healthy holiday. This is probably not a good time to try to lose weight or eliminate sugar from your diet. Instead, aim to maintain your current weight or limit yourself to one sweet indulgence a day.
See also: Weight Fluctuation: How Much is Normal?
Commit to keeping tabs. We really do only manage what we measure. If we weigh ourselves regularly, we’re less likely to discover that we’ve gained ten pounds without realizing it. And if we keep even loose track of how many servings of vegetables or the number of drinks that we consume on a daily basis, we’re much more likely to stay closer to our goals.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.