How do you deal with holidays?

AmyJo54915

Labor Day is fast approaching. My family does a big get together and what do we do? We eat! How do you deal with holidays? This is my first time getting serious about getting healthy...I don't call it a diet, I call it a lifestyle change. Any suggestions on how I can stick with my goals and not miss out on some of that yummy food?

tireetje

i always have this problem too! sorry i havent got a solution yet... i always eat loads! x

dawnw30

I treat them as - well - a treat! LOL! I splurge a bit - try not to over do. Gives me something to look forward to!!! :drinker:

AllieB

I have this problem as well. I love eating in social setttings and I love getting seconds! I would say that your best bet would be bring a dish that is healthy and for everything else you know what is good and what is bad for you. If you all cook out and you get a hamburger either bring a wheat bun or eat it with no bun. If there is aboustly nothing healthly there I would just say to make sure that you save calories for the day and having everything in portion. This is easier said than done I know. I hope this helps. Good luck and stay strong!

Nikkiairforcewife

Drink lots of water and eat in moderation. You could even calculate the different foods ahead of time and decide if you really want to eat more than a single serving of each-- if that. Pick the fruits and vegetables, the whole foods, with just smaller amounts of the others.

tararocks

prepare for it in the days leading up to it, before you go to the bbq or gathering can you hit the gym or get in an early morning workout? Also yes there are tons of yummy foods at these things but you don't have to have gobs of them all, eat a taste of one spoonful. Offer to bring a dish, that way you can bring something you know is going to fit into your new lifestyle. Otherwise enjoy it, its one day.

Janie5605

If it's a potluck make sure you have something you love thats also healthy. Enjoy the food...dont deny yourself that cookie just dont have seven. Moderation. Once you are finished losing the weight you want to lose you have to make these choices too so just use it as a learning experience. I'd avoid ANYTHING with mayo in it (assuming its a bbq and theres potato salad and such...) Fill up on veggies and such. I found amazing hot dogs! Ball park 98% ff turkey dogs...if you grab a couple of those and some 80 calorie buns it'll make it easier to feel like your indulging.

Sherie13

Labor Day is fast approaching. My family does a big get together and what do we do? We eat! How do you deal with holidays? This is my first time getting serious about getting healthy...I don't call it a diet, I call it a lifestyle change. Any suggestions on how I can stick with my goals and not miss out on some of that yummy food?

Don't skip out on your family's celebration or your favorite treats. I try to fill up on the healthy stuff like salad and veggies and have a little bit of the bbq or just a bite of potato salad. Drink a ton of water and try to eat a light snack before going so that you aren't starving when you get there. If you are really hungry you are more likely to eat a lot more! If there are no healthy options, why don't you bring one? I made a really great edamame salad for thanksgiving. It was super healthy and a hit with everyone!

Enigmatica

One, I prep a bit ahead of time when I know there's a special event. Burn more calories, consume less, for a week or so in advance.

Two, I indulge in whatever goodies I want on the special day - but keep portions within reason. Have a brownie! (Not the whole pan... LOL)

Three, I look at the WEEKLY average for calorie goal, and adjust the days before and after so that I still meet my weekly goal.

This has worked very well for me. I go have FUN when the chance arises. Figure it into the weekly goal and it should work out fine.

Oh, don't be surprised if there's quite a jump on the scale from that ONE day. It's usually mostly due to too much salt and sugar though...

Nikkiairforcewife

Labor Day is fast approaching. My family does a big get together and what do we do? We eat! How do you deal with holidays? This is my first time getting serious about getting healthy...I don't call it a diet, I call it a lifestyle change. Any suggestions on how I can stick with my goals and not miss out on some of that yummy food?

Don't skip out on your family's celebration or your favorite treats. I try to fill up on the healthy stuff like salad and veggies and have a little bit of the bbq or just a bite of potato salad. Drink a ton of water and try to eat a light snack before going so that you aren't starving when you get there. If you are really hungry you are more likely to eat a lot more! If there are no healthy options, why don't you bring one? I made a really great edamame salad for thanksgiving. It was super healthy and a hit with everyone!

Care to share the recipe?

Hodar

When we entertain for the holidays, not only are the meals large - they contain a huge amount of variety.

So, pick and chose what you are going to eat. Most homes place a wide variety of delectables on the table - so load up on the low calorie stuff, try a small sampling of the stuff you KNOW is going to be high calorie. For me, grab lots of turkey, a little sweet potato, lots of green beens and Jello, opt for a small slice of pumpkin pie with cool-whip - and just a taste of the pecan pie.

Sometimes, just a taste or 3 is all it takes to satisfy that sweet tooth.

One bite to taste,
one bite to savor,
one bite to sate and satisfy the flavor
- then push the rest away. Really, after 4 bites - you really aren't enjoying it so much as cleaning up the plate. That's several hundred calories easily and painlessly avoided.

Qarol

I immediately thought of the December holidays when I read this title. I basically allow myself one week of cheating, and I usually avoid all other activities outside of that week. For Labor Day, I'll probably do a one day cheat, not having cheated about 2-3 weeks prior. I usually build in one day cheats every 2-3 weeks. Gives me something to look forward to.

skinnyinnotime

Have a small breakfast, then enjoy your family meal....you'll probably find you're full and won't be able to eat as much as you would have before. I find when i have a big family/friends lunch i don't have dinner as i'm still full up, so the calorie damage is quite limited.