Holiday Tips + Tricks

Sincere24

As the holiday season comes into full swing, i've found it a bit difficult to stick to my weight loss efforts. It's only so many times I can say no to treats be it at home or work haha. I've actually been doing well as I've only succumbed tonight, however what are everyone's tips and tricks?

I've allotted some calories for said treats, but i think I should reassess my goals for the next two weeks or just exercise just a bit more to compensate.

How does everyone else manage during this time of year?

shrinkingislander

One thing that really helps me is that I always bring a dish to share, thus giving me something to fall back on when the non healthy alternatives fill the table. I make this carrot dip (middle eastern) and it is so delicious and everyone seems to love it because it is different.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

I think taking the holidays as a time for maintenance is rather successful. I'd do that if I were you.

Sincere24

thanks for the tip shrinkingisla! Are you talking about hummus, if so it's definitely a crow pleaser. As for maintenance, seems like a great idea, but it does seem like time waste haha. But a good idea nonetheless, i'll probably aim for .25 of a loss...any loss is good loss right

TallAndSkinny22

thanks for the tip shrinkingisla! Are you talking about hummus, if so it's definitely a crow pleaser. As for maintenance, seems like a great idea, but it does seem like time waste haha. But a good idea nonetheless, i'll probably aim for .25 of a loss...any loss is good loss right

Time is only wasted if you're not having fun :laugh: maintaining is fine for the holidays, heck we all still want to live a little right?

shrinkingislander

thanks for the tip shrinkingisla! Are you talking about hummus, if so it's definitely a crow pleaser. As for maintenance, seems like a great idea, but it does seem like time waste haha. But a good idea nonetheless, i'll probably aim for .25 of a loss...any loss is good loss right

No, it is an actual dip made from carrots:

Spicy Carrot Dip

Ingredients
2 pounds carrots, cut into 3-inch lengths
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (to desired texture and taste)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 1/4 teaspoons harissa or other chile paste
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin or caraway
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt
1/4 pound feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
3 pitted black olives

Directions
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook over moderately high heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.
- Transfer the carrots to a food processor. Add the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, harissa, cumin and ginger and process to a smooth puree. Season the dip with salt.
- Scrape the dip onto a platter or into a bowl. Scatter the feta cheese and olives on top and serve.

Moroccan Carrot Dip

Ingredients
2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into rough chunks
1 tablespoon sugar
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 (1-inch) knob ginger, grated on the medium holes of a box grater
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons harissa, or more to taste (see note above)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions
- Place carrots in a large saucepan and cover with water by 1/2 an inch. Add sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender, liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until sugar is a golden blond caramel color, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat and immediately add half a cup of water. Transfer carrots and caramel to the bowl of a food processor.
- Add cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, capers, olives, parsley (or cilantro), and harissa. Pulse until the carrots are roughly chopped, 6 to 8 one-second pulses, scraping down the sides of the processor as necessary. With processor running, drizzle in most of olive oil, saving a couple tablespoons for garnish. Season to taste with more salt.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and serve with warm flatbrad.

dena789

Thanks for the great carrot dip recipes. I'm going to have to give them a try!

bettacheckyoself

switch over to Xylitol sweetener to replace table sugar
multitask while exercising (watch youtube/ educate yourself while exercising)
eat only to live
I don't do this, but I am considering carrying a picture of a fit body with me to remind me what I want to achieve ?

Chadomaniac

i eat what i want ... MODERATION is key . im going on vacation soon and thats what i will be doing ... obviously ill eat wholewheat when i can , lean and "unprocessed" as possible foods ... its good to give your mind and body a break and now is THAT time of year

DS04

I have a fat picture of me on my phone and look at it before I go to eat anything bad.

AntWrig

i eat what i want ... MODERATION is key . im going on vacation soon and thats what i will be doing ... obviously ill eat wholewheat when i can , lean and "unprocessed" as possible foods ... its good to give your mind and body a break and now is THAT time of year

It's a broken record man.

rfsatar

Maintenance and moderation!

lacaro1

Well what works for me is keeping as little sweets at home as possible and I try to make up for going over on some days by eating less on the remaining days. With this method I still consume the amount of calories per week as planned!