The Holiday Advice That Actually Helps My Clients

"I always do the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning — that way I don't feel so guilty about eating Thanksgiving dinner!"

"I fast all day before the meal to save up calories!"

"I can't believe I just ate all of that 'bad' food. No more sugar for the rest of the year!"

Sound familiar?

Now, maybe these mindsets and strategies work for you. Or maybe you think they do, but they don't.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you really have a healthy perspective on the holidays:

1. Do you exercise solely as a way to "burn calories" before eating a holiday meal or to "burn off calories" after the meal?

2. Do you "save up calories" by restricting for days or even hours leading up to a holiday meal, ignoring your natural hunger cues?

3. Do you eat until you're uncomfortably full because you feel like you have to "get it in while you can" instead of respecting your body?

4. Do you see foods as "good" and "bad" and feel guilt for eating "bad" holiday foods?

5. Do you plan to "get back on track" or "be good again" immediately after the holidays end?

6. Do you feel resentful toward people who seem to eat "whatever they want" without worry?

   
   

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please know that I've been there too. These thought patterns run deep. I still feel like I need to actively work through them at times.

But if you're tired of feeling stressed, overwhelmed, guilty, and lethargic during the holidays, I hope these simple tips can transform this holiday season for you.

Don't skip meals. You can eat slightly less throughout the day, but it's crucial to honor your hunger. Fasting can actually backfire, making you eat way more than you would have otherwise — to the point where you feel uncomfortably full. Focus on getting your protein and fiber in and giving your body what it needs and wants. You'll probably discover that you're satisfied with less at the actual meal and can leave the table feeling energized!

Don't give in to the "toddler" in your head. When a little kid throws a tantrum, we don't just give them what they want. When the toddler in your mind starts acting up, respond calmly and compassionately with your adult self.

Watch for the "pleasure plateau." The first bite is always the best. So pay attention as you continue eating. When does the experience become less pleasurable? Stop there, after it's peaked. Eating past that point defeats the purpose of eating for enjoyment!

Don't underestimate the power of a brain dump. If you're feeling overwhelmed, get a blank piece of paper out or open the notes app on your phone. Write down everything — and I mean everything — onto that paper. There are no rules. Vent, jot down future reminders, make a to-do list, and express how you really feel. Don't judge yourself. Let everything out. This has to be the biggest game-changer in managing holiday stress.

Remember: it's not necessarily about what you eat on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. It's about how you eat and move between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The people who can "get away with eating whatever they want" have created a lifestyle that allows them to do so. And you can too.

Last year, I created a holiday guide where I thought of every possible detail to make this your best season yet.

How I Stay In Shape During The Holidays

$15.00

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 Here's what you'll get:

• Strategies for EVERY situation (parties, meals, leftovers, etc.) so that you go into them with no stress and come out feeling GREAT— onto that paper. There are no rules. Vent, jot down future reminders, make a to-do list, and express how you really feel. Don't judge yourself. Let everything out. This has to be the biggest game-changer in managing holiday stress.

• Stress relief methods that are quick, easy, and ACTUALLY work no matter who you are so you can tackle the holidays without the overwhelm

• Troubleshooting to stop overeating and lose weight instead of gain it while still enjoying

  yourself

• The ultimate list of healthy food swaps

• A no-equipment strength workout to build muscle and burn calories no matter where you are

• A 7-day post-holiday reset plan to get back on track, "detox", and feel amazing 

• Rapid fire tips and tricks that can change the game forever

• How to schedule your ENTIRE day, morning to night, for the results you want

• BONUS: Custom holiday to-do list, meal planner, and habit tracker to organize everything floating around your head