Healthy and the Holidays

laurenpiskiel

So my husband's family is Jewish and my family is Christian (mother's side) and Greek Orthodox (father's side). I literally have 10 days in a row of holiday gatherings and am nervous about all the food! I normally am pretty good about limiting at events and making sure I keep within caloric parameters for the day, but somehow this year everyone seems to want to host so every evening we have a different house lined up. Anyone else in this boat or something similar? Anyone have any tricks aside for wiring my jaw shut after day three when temptation and will power will be at an all time low?

kommodevaran

Practice gratitude, it goes hand in hand with moderation.

LivingtheLeanDream

Go easy on the portions and you'll be fine.

But in the grand scheme of things, while 12 days of eating unreservedly will see you gain a little, once you're back to usual routine you'll nip any gain in the bud.

Cbean08

The holidays are about spending time with family, not about stuffing your face. Enjoy the company of others and eat smart. There is no need for 4 slices of spanakopita, a whole leg of lamb, a whole pita and a big scoop of hummus and a piece of every dessert. Do a scan of what is on offer and choose your meal. Eat if you are hungry and stop when you are full. Limit yourself to 1 alcoholic beverage and a share a dessert. If people offer you more food, politely decline and say you are full and that you already tried a bite and that it was delicious (even if you didn't try it at all). No point in bringing diet talk or meal plan discussion. Focus on the people and let the food just be food.

quebot

No one in my family understands my restrictions, and since my health depends on it, I normally bring my own plate to family gatherings. I know what will be served normally, so I try to bring a similar dish using ingredients safe for me and portion sizes appropriate.