How to Thrive During the Holidays!!
If you have been around me for a while OR have every participated in the FASTer Way to Fat Loss, you know I frequently talk about Memories OVER Macros. This concept is especially important as we are head into the Memorial Day weekend. It’s the official start of Summer, and the weekend is filled with gatherings, cookouts, and celebrations. There are so many opportunities to make memories as we celebrate, and a strict focus on macros shouldn’t take away from it!
The key thing to remember is that YOU can only be in control of so much as you gather with friends and family. In these situations, you do the best with what you’re given and let your healthy habits guide you! The healthy habits I teach you as part of the Faster Way program guide you to make smarter decisions during the family cookout, but it doesn’t mean you have to refrain from partaking in the festivities! It doesn’t mean you bypass all of the options for a plate of celery. Why? Because nutritional plans or diet regimens that restrictive may work for a short period of time, but you will quickly grow frustrated wondering why you are missing out on all of the good stuff!!
Here are a few tips to help you while you enjoy making some memories!
Attending a cookout in the early afternoon? Fast until then! A longer fast can prevent over-indulging and you have more of your daily macros available to consume.
Long day planned? Kick it off with an early morning workout BEFORE festivities begin. I love to get up and spend 20-30 minutes to get my body moving. If it’s not the entire workout, do what you can. It still counts! This will help you feel accomplished before a fun day as it’s often harder to work out after a long busy day. Also consider where you’re going, theme park or beach? This could mean there is also an opportunity to get some extra steps in boosting that non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT).
Not cooking but going out for a meal? Plan ahead, if you can! If you’re going to a cookout you can ask what may be served, and if you’re going to a restaurant, jump on the web and look through the menu. Planning ahead will save time, help you refrain from making impulsive food choices, and help you fit it within your personal goals. If you want that delicious piece of cherry pie, go for it! Find something similar, log it, and plan around it. I like to say eat “lean and green” choosing more grilled protein and veggies for your meal knowing desert will be heavier in carbs and fats for you to indulge in later.
Are you a Sample Platter type of person? Plate your food and sit! Don’t fall into the trap of mindless eating standing around the food! When you choose to plate your foods and sit, it forces you to actually enjoy your meal and prevents over-indulging. All those handfuls of nuts or chips and dip add up quickly. If you want to sample it all, that’s ok as well, just have small portions on your plate. This allows you to socialize with loved ones, share stories about your crazy uncle and really make those memories with your friends and family. It forces you to slow down the amount you’re eating and prevents swallowing more air which could lead to that bloated feeling. You’re there for quality time and food is part of many celebrations. Create the memory without the guilty feeling like you need to restrict and not enjoy your time with others.
Traveling to a vacation home or hotel? Make a plan of where and when you’ll be eating. Maybe you eat breakfast and lunch in knowing each dinner you will be going out. I love to bring as much snack or cooler friendly items with me and have a grocery list for items needed when we get there. You can also look at local delivery services and have that grocery list ready to go when you land and have all the food delivered to your rental location/hotel. This may sound like a chore but I promise you that it will save you precious time that can be spent relaxing, prevent the temptations at the store, and eliminate the “I don’t care” back and forth in the car!
Hydration will keep you in motion! Hydration is key for…well, EVERYTHING! Keeping a water bottle nearby to sip on throughout the day will keep you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Not to mention, choosing water as your drink of choice with your cookout or vacay meal is a much better option than a soda or sugary cocktail. If you choose to have alcohol, plan to have a glass of water after each drink and sip, slowly.
Remember your WHY! Most of all be present with your loved ones and enjoy your celebrations FREE OF GUILT—for them and for YOU! Focus on progress over perfection and don't be too hard on yourself. These memories will be remembered by your children, they will see their mom enjoying a burger and potato salad hanging by the pool instead you worrying about macros! These are special times that you can’t go back and change. Make that memory knowing that you have a plan and it’s not going to be derailed by one day. The Day after, get up and get back to your consistent routine, don't dwell on what may have happened.
Take a “memories over macros” approach to special occasions because you want a lifestyle to be truly sustainable and enjoyable. Planning ahead and using the healthy habits I teach you can help you stick to your goals even while making memories!
Wanting to learn more on how to retrain your mind to this lifestyle and get access to the best program on the market?? Join my next FASTer Way to Fat Loss round starting Monday, May 29th. Select the “Get Started Today” tab to get registered.
