The holidays are almost here! As much as we garner joy from this time of year, we also find ourselves dreading some of the hidden habits that we take on from October 31st to January 1st (or 2nd depending on how hungover you are.)
So how do we stay on track? Is it simply impossible? Should we just accept that we'll fall off the bandwagon and deal with it later?
One of the most important aspects of staying healthy and lean is to not give yourself the option to dive off the deep end. I know that whenever I'm home with family, I'll crave baking a pie or cooking with as much butter as I can get my hands on. But before I give myself the option to consider opening up that old school cookbook my mom's had for 30 years, I remember that if the food is there, I'm going to eat it. I can't handle the temptation. So how do we still enjoy this time of year without quitting our favorites cold turkey? I have one word for you:
SUBSTITUTIONS.
Substitutions definitely work but take more thoughtfulness. Nowadays, there are so many foods that can help to stop your cravings and make you feel satisfied without having to indulge.
This is what I mean:
Craving sugar? Pie? Cookies? = chia pudding with almond milk, cinnamon, honey, shaved almonds, fruit or a cup of tea sweetened with honey or Stevia. Many times your sugar cravings kick in when you're dehydrated. Take a minute to down a few glasses of water, wait 10 minutes and see if you still have the craving. I bet you don't!
Want a big ol' juicy steak? = often times we crave a burger or steak because we're low on iron or protein. Our minds are wired to go there because the flavors are most abundant. But, there are so many vegetable dishes that end up satisfying us just like a burger would. I know that sounds crazy and you might be rolling your eyes right now, but give it a try. Here are some decadent vegetable recipes that will help curve that craving while satisfying you on all levels: Dig-in!
Need a buzz? = GO FOR WINE. Don't slap the bag or chug it at dinner, but wine often helps with digestion. Still, don't go crazy. Try having a glass of red rather than sugary, syrupy, goopy, Cinnamon Bailey's, Egg Nog over-the-top holiday craziness.
Overeating = overeating is a common side-effect of the holidays. Everything is just so yummy so why not fill your entire plate twice because it's so welcoming? Because you'll die from the expanding digestive tract inside you. THAT'S WHY. Think about this: the day before everyone arrives for Thanksgiving and Christmas, drink as much water as you can. Drink water like it's your job. The more water you drink, the less pain you'll feel after the meal. You'll be slightly full before the meal so you'll eat less.
So while that turkey looks beautiful and indulging, think about preparing for the massive amounts of food and set yourself up for success. You've worked so hard to eat consciously, now keep yourself on track!