We want you to just bring chicken and broccoli to all holiday parties this year -- the end. Just kidding!
We like to eat just as much as you do so let's take advantage of the holiday foods and pair them with workouts. As you probably know by now, working out prior to eating, especially sugary foods, can help offset the calories and put them to good use for recovery. Now, you can't go hogging down the entire dessert table, but splurging after doing a workout at Stax is our best advice. We also urge you to treat holiday meals like any other meal of the day. Do your best to stay within your goals and guidelines.
Follow these other holiday party tips to enjoy the company of your friends and family while not crushing your lifestyle transformation goals.
Tip #1: Do NOT go to Parties Hungry
Eat a small meal 1-2 hours before your party to ensure you don't mindlessly graze and end up feeling stuffed or uncomfortably full.
Tip #2: Portion Control Matters!
Balance your meals with protein, fats, and carbs like you'd always do. And know that if you decide to eat a dessert, it will likely contain a large portion of fats and carbs. Try to not load up on grandma's cheesy potatoes if you plan to enjoy her pecan pie.
Tip #3: It All Adds Up
If you decide you'd like to enjoy more food than you would for a typical meal, we suggest adjusting your food intake at other times of the day. Do your best to stay within range of your usual daily protein, carb, and fat levels but you can eat the majority of them at your holiday party.
Tip #4: Call Ahead and Offer to Cook Healthy Alternatives
We don't recommend that you bring your Tupperware containers of special food to the party without discussing the menu with the host first. We suggest you call the host of the party ahead of time and ask if you can help by preparing some dishes to bring. If the host is okay with this, prepare healthy options that others would enjoy as well. Another word of advice, don't wait until the last minute to tell your friends or family that you can't eat their food. After all, you don't want your food to become a family argument...
Tip #5: Stay Hydrated
Yes, you can enjoy a drink over the holidays but do your best to keep it low calorie. Often times clear liquors are best and you can add flavor using Mio or similar zero/low calorie drink mixes. We caution you to watch out for sugar loaded drinks, and to help avoided the dreaded hangover, make sure you drink 1 large glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.
Tip #6: Put Things in Perspective
You have worked hard all year at transforming your lifestyle, don't throw in the towel and jump off the deep end. If you enjoy more of the unhealthy food than you planned on, don't stress yourself out and add to the guilt. Our best advice is to pick-up and move on. Don't let a cheat meal turn into a cheat weekend -- trust us, it happens way too easily! Let us know if you need support or advice if this happens to you. That's what we're here for!
Tip #7: Move More!
Make sure you workout before holiday parties. Let's put that food to good use with post workout recovery. Hold on though, that doesn't mean you need an entire pie to yourself. However, an intense workout will affect your metabolic rate and allow you to burn more calories at rest for up to 36 hours after you finish your workout (fun fact of the day)! Another great way to squeeze in some physical activity and some holiday bonding time (if your holiday gathering is someplace that is not cold and snow covered) is to get outside with family and friends and go for a walk after a meal.
Tip #8: Do NOT Weigh Yourself!
Like we've said a million times, don't get caught up on the scale weight, especially the day after a holiday party! It's best just to not weigh yourself and go by how you feel and by how your clothes fit. Plus, adding stress will only negatively affect your weight loss goals.
