Yesterday was Valentine's Day and maybe you were bombarded by candy and possibly other foods that can be real stumbling blocks.
Below are some strategies Dr. Andersen posted for the Thanksgiving holiday that are helpful for ANY holiday, including Valentine's Day (and its aftermath!).
- Seek Support! Through your family, friends, your trainer, health coach, internet support groups, or clubs.
- If you are on the Take Shape for Life program, don’t make exceptions during the holidays. Stick with it and choose to get in shape and get healthy.
- Don’t skip a meal
- Choose healthy snacks such as celery, bullion, or dill pickles and no starchy vegetables
- Eat 5-6 low glycemic, low calorie meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar in check and your stomach happy
- Remember, alcohol has empty calories and lots of them!
- If there’s a special holiday food you will feel deprived of, if you don’t have…remember the 3 bite rule: The first bite is the best tasting, the second not as good as the first and by the third, your taste bud experience is over so only take enough for 1-2 bites -just a taste and you will be surprised how satisfying it is. (Be honest with yourself, however. If one bite will lead you down a bad path--just don't even do it)
- Eat more of the salads and green veggies at a dinner party and make the meat a “side dish”
- Peanut butter and cheese are too full of fat calories!!
- No Popcorn when you go to the movies. It is cooked in oil and not a healthy choice. Instead, bring along a protein bar or celery to munch on.
- Don’t serve family meals family-style. Keep pots and dishes away from the table where it’s all too easy to go for seconds!
- Learn to “eyeball” the proper serving size that is right for you and stick to them when dining out or dishing up meals.
- Eat "healthy fast foods"…like our Medifast low glycemic and low calorie meal replacements!! Don’t leave home without them!
- Physical activity is a good way to burn calories and it makes you feel great before going to a party, and remember to have a meal replacement (or a low glycemic fueling) on your way out the door--so you don't arrive hungry!
- Holiday shopping time at the mall is an opportunity to get some extra exercise in…park away from the entrance, wear comfortable walking shoes, and remember to walk with stomach muscles tight throughout your shopping spree.
- Have Fun!!!! Become great at mingling…Become the life of the party!!!
One thing I remember learning from Dr. A is that we need to fuel our bodies just like we fuel our vehicles. We don't let our vehicles go empty. We fuel them up before that happens. So, our bodies need fuel and should not run on empty. So, I really appreciate the habit of eating 5-6 small, healthy meals throughout the day. It has been working for me for many years! But, now I have a better understanding of pairing my carbs with protein and this is now working even more efficiently!
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