Top 5 Ways to Stick to Your Holiday Diet Plan

If your intention is to stick with your diet this holiday season, the best thing to do is plan ahead. Make a clear decision about where you are going and with whom you will spend time. Give yourself the opportunity to change your traditions if you feel your skills are vulnerable. Maybe this is the year to have a quiet dinner at home. Or to start a new gathering with like-minded friends instead of going someplace that will compromise your weight and health goals.

Many of us find it hard to disappoint family and friends, even if it means putting our diets in jeopardy. We show up and do our best to “make good choices” or throw in the towel and decide to wing it for a day. Both of these strategies are virtual guarantees of a high calorie day. Still, if you can’t say no to tradition, you will have a better chance of sticking to your plan if you do some prep work.

Here are the top five ways to stick to your holiday diet plan:

1. Write it all out. Plan what you will eat and when. Also include PA–when, what and how much. Details matter. Think through all the challenges you can come up with–because it’s likely that you’ll be faced with an additional surprise or two.
    
2. Have the tough conversations. This might feel pretty hard especially if you have been known to be on again and off again with your commitment to your health. Tell your loved ones how important it is to you that you spend time together and that you are concerned about jeopardizing the work you have done so far. Ask them for their support. Offer to come early and help prepare dishes that you can eat, or let them know that you would like to bring your own. Explain precisely what your restrictions are. Ask for details about the menu so you will know how to navigate. Be honest, open and firm.
   
   Be ready to speak to the idea that “You should eat with us, it’s a holiday! You can get back to your diet tomorrow!” Many people feel this way. Try saying something like, “Of course I could, and I look forward to having many opportunities to eat together in the future, but this year, I am making another choice and I would love your support.”
    
3. Cook. Make your absolute favorite “in the box” recipes. Whether you are on the Decision-Free^® or Healthy Solutions^® diet, or in Phase 2, now is the time to bring out the big guns. Check out new recipes here. Visit our Forum to ask questions, gain support and inspiration, and share your commitment to the diet.
    
4. Physical Activity. Get up and out early. Go for a long walk, sign up for your local Turkey Trot, or jump on the treadmill. Do it first. Do more. This is definitely not the day to skip (or postpone) exercise.
    
5. Wear your best-fitting party clothes. When you’re all dressed up in form-fitting clothes, you may be less likely to over-indulge. Don’t loosen the belt, or wear that flowing dress. Choose clothing that will remind you of how far you’ve come and will give you the squeeze when you’ve had enough to eat!

Most of all, remember that the happiest holiday traditions are about family, friends and fun!

by luv2run on 11/07/2012 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: Weight-Loss, HMR, motivation, in the box, planning, strategies, holidays