First step, throw out candy or hide it in a place that no one looks. The same goes for cookies and desserts, if you are constantly badgered and tempted by the foods on eye level in the cabinets, whose fault is that? Put them in a different area, a low cabinet or a high cabinet that you need to get a stool in order to reach. The same marketing strategy that is used on your children in the grocery store cereal aisle can be put to good use here. All those sugar kid’s cereals are placed on their eye level for a reason. Did you know we offer online personal training? Contact us to find out how it works...

Secondly, prepare for war. Stock up on vegetables and fruit, try new salads and recipes. Part of the reason that people go crazy during this time of year and what I hear often is that,” It only comes around once a year.” Realistically and more accurately it is for 3 months. During this once a year time period many people make foods that they don’t usually consume. So, why not start a new tradition or revamp old recipes. Use less butter, switch from margarine to butter, and maybe even smart butter. If you are using cheese cut out the cheddars and use mozzarella or parmesan cheese. I once made my dad eggbeaters instead of real eggs and I’ll never forget how his only comment was,” Wow, these eggs are delicious, how did you make them.” Needless to say after he finished consuming them and realized what had happened he couldn’t help but laugh. Try this trick when you are making cookies. Use the eggbeaters instead of real eggs and cut back not only on the fat but on the cholesterol. Much of the time people eat everything in sight when there is nothing in the house. Avoid this by always having a variety of healthy options in the fridge.

Thirdly, enjoy attending the parties. You buy a new outfit, new shoes; get your hair done, etc. That takes a great deal of planning and then you show up with a plate of cookies for the dessert table and realize that what the host is serving is nothing short of an artery clog waiting to happen, and since you want to be polite you try a bit of EVERYTHING. You have two options, one: plan for extra cardio the next day and two: PLAN AHEAD to bring a dish to add to the menu. If you do all this planning to look great and be festive in nice attire why wouldn’t you do the same planning technique for the food? Much of the time people bring a dish for the holidays and the host is so excited because it helps them out. So instead of bringing stuffed shells, how about a huge salad with chicken, green beans and walnuts, and many other items that you wouldn’t eat regularly? This way you will always know that there is something for you to eat and then you won’t feel guilty having a scoop of your mother’s famous mashed potatoes.

Now, I don’t want anyone to think I’m nuts. I love food just as much as the next person considering that I’m doomed on both sides. My mother is 100% Italian, and my father is 100% French. Have you ever told your grandmother that you didn’t want thirds? It is just how I grew up. As a child we had to clear our plates and try everything. Now I at least have a choice… or I‘d like to think I do. Last year I brought a truffle layer cake with fruit layers instead of cake with free cool whip. This year I am bringing salad with mozzarella slices and marinated chicken and cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers in homemade vinaigrette. You need to plan for the worst case scenario.

My last bit of advice is that deprivation always will succumb to cravings. So do NOT go hungry. Eat a small meal an hour or two before you leave that house if you do not eat anything till four, it is only a matter of time before you level the refrigerator. Worst case scenario tell yourself that you need to have (2) 12-16 oz glasses of water before you eat about 20 minutes before. This is the amount of time that it takes for your belly to tell your mind that you are full. You typically will eat ½ as much food because you are full. If you are still hungry take a smaller plate. I don’t know about your family but at the holidays it seems as though they take out the “special” dishes that are twice the size of a regular plate. Eat off a smaller plate, and fill it with protein, which also helps you to feel full faster and longer.

One of my favorite tricks is to go for a run the morning of an event, as close to before we are supposed to leave. This helps to remind me of all the hard work I’ve put into sweating. Now, I’m going to tell you one last thing that I tell my clients, ENJOY the holiday indulge in something that you wouldn’t normally consume. Not the whole plate of cookies, one or two, you deserve them. If you can not enjoy food and make it a lifestyle change you will always be in the endless cycle of January 1^ST! Keep up with your workouts and make sure to incorporate lots of cardio to burn those extra sneaky calories! Happy holidays! Contact us for in home personal training, corporate wellness, boot camps, and online personal training.