The holidays are a fun and exciting time, and just because you’re on a natural weight loss program, that shouldn’t change. Though it may seem the holidays are a more challenging time to stick to your goals, it doesn’t need to be difficult. Whether you’re at events, dinners or simply out shopping, you can stick to your program and still enjoy your family and friends, as you should. Below are 5 tips to help you stay on tack while eating out during all of your fun holiday shopping, and in fact, they’re tips you can utilize all year round.
Prepare your ‘stand your ground’ conversation mechanism. Though it might sound crazy, especially when you’re around loved ones, it’s important to be prepared to take care of yourself and not give in to all the ‘you can do it once’ or ‘you work out so what are you worried about’ or ‘just try it’ comments. You owe it to yourself to stand your ground and say ‘no’ when you know you need to take care of yourself and focus on your weight loss program. You can be honest and firm, yet compassionate, with the words you choose.
Wear your skinny jeans. This is an old trick, but it works. Wear a pair of pants you’re comfortable in, yet are tight enough that when you eat, you know it. It’s not as tempting to eat that extra bite when your pants are reminding you that your stomach is expanding with every bite.
Look at the menu(s) ahead of time. Do your research online or get a copy of menus ahead of time. By doing so, you can determine what you plan on eating that fits within the scope of your program without the pressure of doing it while you’re out and on the spot. In addition, you can look up nutritional information to be even more aware of what you’re eating.
Eat your meals at the normally scheduled time. Often when we’re out hustling and bustling we just eat when we can. This is a ‘no no’ when on a weight loss program. The more focused you are about eating when you normally do, the easier it will be to not go on binges or ‘crashes’. Try to keep your schedule as normal as possible.
Workout as scheduled. Especially during the holidays when you may tend to eat different f foods, it’s very important to continue your workout routine as usual. And when you’re out shopping and eating out, fit your routine into your schedule to stay on track with your exercise program. Again, keep things as normal as possible for your weight loss program, even while out and about, during the holidays.
The holidays will be fun and enjoyable, even when you’re eating out, if you utilize these five tips to help you focus and stay on track to meet your weight loss goals.