How to NOT Gain 10 Pounds Over the Holidays
It’s baaaaack: the most wonderful time of the year is here again in all it’s calorie-laden glory. Is your self-control armour ready for the food gauntlet? Whether you’re ready or not, here are a few tried and true tips on how to NOT gain 10 pounds over the holidays.
If you google “how to not overeat at parties” you’ll find lots of handy tips, but most of them focus on what to eat, what not to eat, how much to eat, and what to eat before you even get there. All good suggestions, but they’ve been around a while and yet somehow we still struggle to reign in our holiday-party-binge-monsters, so clearly the problem goes deeper than what’s on that cute little red and green plate.
Since the food tips have been done, my list of binge-avoiding party tips goes inside your head — not your gut. If you’re going to make it out alive you need to get your mind right and prepare for battle.
1. Take the “Is it worth it” test?
Is that pie worth feeling like crap about yourself for a week? Is that fourth cocktail worth derailing your diet tomorrow morning when you inevitably succumb to the greasy fast-food breakfast sandwich on your walk (or ride) of shame home? Is it worth avoiding your friends and beau for the next week while you de-puff from all the sugar you downed tonight? Weigh the pros and cons carefully. Every choice in life has a consequence, good or bad. How will this choice affect your confidence, body, and mood tomorrow?
2. Think like you tomorrow morning not you with a few glasses of wine in your system and no curfew tonight.
The hyped up you out tonight is NOT the sound-minded you who will wake up tomorrow kicking herself for gorging on a plate of sugar cookies that weren’t even that good. Remind yourself of your morning priorities. I say “morning” priorities because that’s typically the time of day we’re most motivated, energized, clear-headed and focused on what we really want for that day — and for the rest of our lives. Will a carb coma or hangover help you reach your long-term career or fitness goals? Will you actively pursue your dreams when you feel like a fat blob? Just a little calorie-free food for thought…
3. Be your own cheerleader
Psych yourself up, bust out the imaginary pompoms and get ready to shine tonight. You’re going to nail it. Remember this: you’re too good to stuff your face and feel like a failure for losing control. You are in control of what goes into your mouth. You don’t have to get sloshed to have a good time and you certainly don’t let the pastry display decieve you into going back for seconds… or thirds.
4. Calm the heck down
Being nervous/anxious/shy at a party will send you running for comfort aka food and cocktails to drown your woes. So you’re nervous and don’t know what to do with your hands? Bring a cute clutch and carry a glass of water or wine (one that you’re sloooooowly sipping on all night). Don’t know anyone? Grab a drink and start mingling. Once you score a great convo with a new friend you’ll be too busy chatting to devour more booze or linger too long by the pigs in a blanket. Anxious in groups? Breathe. Calm yourself with long, deep breaths until you feel more relaxed. Step outside for some fresh air if you have to. Get your head right and come back for social gathering attempt #2.
Image + adorable macaron gingerbread man recipe via Pies & Tacos
