Navigating the Holidays, Part 2 · Lifestyle Evolution

Navigating the Holidays, Part 2

November is upon us, friends. That means pretty much from now until after New Years, it's all about planning food, talking about food, and eating food.

Here are some broad, general tips for handling all this food talk!

Don’t skip meals. As in, don't starve yourself in preparation for a pig out. Focus on the big rocks, noted in the last post here: (https://www.skool.com/lifestyle-evolution/navigating-the-holidays-part-1?p=0955053f), and sample what appeals to you in moderation, with focus, attention, and intention.

Heed hunger cues. Are you really hungry, or are you just eating it because it's a holiday food?

Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation messes with blood sugar, hunger hormones, and will trip you up, big time. Try as best you can to keep your routine.

Take a few walks when you can, especially after eating. This curbs the blood sugar spike, and is a great rule to apply year-round, not just at the holidays. Big spikes are one of the things that can contribute to cravings.

Bring snacks for travel - protein! If you're in the car for long stretches, don't treat it as an indulgence to consume fast food or junk. Find a small cooler, and bring your own healthier options. Save the indulgences for the day itself. Hard boiled egg, sugar free jerky of any kind, leftover chicken breast cut into strips and wrapped in romaine, etc.

Choose healthier options if you can. Appetizers set out before hand? Choose the broccoli and dip over the chips. Regular sweet potato or sugary sweet potato casserole? Unless the casserole is your favorite, opt for the whole food form.

Allow some indulgence for your favorites. Goes without saying! But you may find that a small dollop of each has you feeling very full and satisfied. Remember to eat mindfully, savoring the taste and texture. When it's gone in two seconds and we haven't paid attention, that's when we are at risk for getting seconds that we really aren't even hungry for.

Eat before going to an event. If it's not a special family thing, but just a work thing, or your spouse's work thing, or just the umpteenth party, eat before hand, and then just eat a few veggies so you're still included.

Practice mindfulness, intention, and stay connected to your long-term vision for your own health. Who do you want to be when the holidays are over? How do you want to feel? What can you do, right now, in THIS moment, that can connect you to the person you want to be in 2 months?

Do whatever it takes (coaching, therapy, both) to learn better boundaries. Relatives can't guilt you into eating things you don't want to eat. Don't accept punishment for choosing healthy habits. Don't give in just because others call you a party-pooper (I have experienced this one a lot). Don't cave when someone urges, "Aww, a little won't hurt!" We remind our clients that people sometimes push us to do things we know aren't good for our health because the very fact that we ARE focusing on our health really drives home to THEM that they AREN'T. It eases their discomfort to have you come along, and that's not your job.

Anything resonate here more than something else? More to come!

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Navigating the Holidays, Part 2