Savour a tranquil Sydney picnic spots lunch while you soak up Clark Island’s exceptional vistas and historic surroundings. A question I am asked over and over again is how to make it through the holidays. I’ve written other posts about it, but then it got me thinking that there really isn’t a “holiday season.” What I mean by that is, yes there are holidays, but we have events throughout the whole year when we are faced with less than desirable food choices. If you live in colder climates, January through April or so is your comfort food time, which is usually heavier food. Let’s not forget Valentine’s Day when most people go out to eat. There’s also baptisms, first communions, Easter, Passover, etc. There’s mother’s day in May, Father’s day in June. Memorial day kicks off summer parties, golfing, BBQ season, right? So, it now becomes oh man, how do I go to these picnics week after week and maintain my diet? Now we hit Labor day big bash, local fairs, Halloween candy, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, New Years. Oh, and that doesn’t include all the birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Do you see a pattern here?
Temptation
The real fact of the matter is, there isn’t one season where we have temptations. They face us every day. We have to determine if and how we want to make lifestyle changes to make it through all these events. They are always going to be there and if you allow yourself that “oh, it’s only once in a while pig out day” that is one thing. But look at all the days in one month that can add up to. They can add up to at least 4 or more times a month. That’s not once in a while, that is completely sabotaging your hard work. So you have to decide what is more important to you. Busting your butt all week with a clean diet and awesome workout routines to blow it every single weekend? Or would you rather bust your butt all week with a clean diet, awesome workout and learning how to control what you’re eating and drinking?
Invitations
I already know what you’re going to say, because I hear it all the
time. Well so and so invited me over, I can’t be rude. OK, first off, if
so and so is your family, friend or colleague and they are inviting you
over, they should know your lifestyle well enough of what is important
to you. There’s nothing wrong with asking what’s on the menu. Say you’d
like to bring a dish. If they say no, they have plenty, say OK, but
could you still tell me? Would it be OK if I brought an appetizer of a
bottle of wine? Then you’ll at least know what they are serving. And if
you know the whole meal would be nothing you’ll eat, then bring
something you will eat. Yes, I said it. If they get insulted, then they
truly don’t respect you or care about you. I cook beef when friends come
over because I know they enjoy it. It’s not a favorite of mine, so I
make it for them and I always have a salad and plenty of veggies. So
I’ll either stick to that, or I’ll make chicken or something else along
with the beef dish. You have to decide what you’re comfortable doing and
what is important to you. If it’s someone you don’t know very well and
are just making acquaintances, then what the heck eat before you get
there. And either way, bring something to the host/hostess. I’m sorry, I
don’t care how well you do/don’t know them, I was brought up that it’s
impolite to show up anywhere empty handed. You could even bring flowers.
No matter even if it one of my sister’s houses, they say don’t bring
anything, I bring something.
Tips
Let me see if I can break down some tips for you.
- Eat something before hand so you don’t go starving (which will give you more motivation to say no to the “junk” you know you mind wants but your body isn’t craving).
- Bring something healthy you know you will eat and can share with others.
- Go for the healthier appetizers: veggies/no dip, (or maybe hummus), shrimp cocktail, salsa (on veggies or baked pita wedges)
- For the entrée – select mostly veggies, salad, etc. limit your animal protein amounts (no larger than the palm of your hand) and omit any carbs if it’s after lunch.
- If it’s a picnic; stay away from any mayonnaise salad (including coleslaw) or white pasta/potato salad. (Besides ewwww mayo out in the heat? I think not.)
- Go for the salads made with salad dressing, fresh veggies like broccoli slaw, Cole slaw w/out the creamy dressing.
- If you’re going to have any animal protein, skip the bun and the cheese. Watch out for the condiments.
- Fill up on fruits and vegies.
- Drink lots and lots of water.
- If you’re drinking alcohol, try seltzer with a little alcohol or wine in it. You’ll still get the alcohol, but fewer calories and you’ll drink it slower.
- If you want dessert, allow yourself a taste, not a whole piece. Ten bites of something won’t taste any better than the first bite. Savor it and enjoy – don’t over indulge.
- If you go out to dinner, omit the bread and carbs all together.
- Ask for a salad, extra veggies and have your meat/fish broiled or baked and ask for no “sauce/marinade” unless it’s on the side.
When Harry Met Sally
We’ve all seen the movie When Harry met Sally, right? Sally orders everything on the side, or totally different than the menu. That is so me. I’ll tell you, I have friends that still bust me about what a pain I am when we go out to eat. Here’s what I say to them “I’m paying for it, so I should get what I want. If it’s on the menu, I should be able to have it with my meal. Frankly, I cook better than most places we end up eating, so if I’m going to pay money, I’m going to get what I want.” I don’t care if they like it or not, because it boils down to my health. And if people choose to eat salads soaked in dressing so it’s like soup, fried foods, butter, sour cream, that’s up to them. It isn’t my business. I just try real hard not to say anything when they complain about how they feel and how they should lose weight. I just bite my tongue and take a deep breath. The bottom line is, you can decide what you want to do. It’s your health and your body. You only have one life – make the decisions you can LIVE with.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Here’s to your health and mindful decisions.
Lisa has lost over 80 pounds and kept it off for over 12 years. She knows what it is like to get made fun of when you’re a child. She knows the pain of missing dances, the prom and dates through her teen years. Lisa struggled with yo-yo dieting most of her life. She’s gone through drastic measures to lose weight, but now found the real truth in keeping the weight off. Lisa now helps others get on the fit track; mind, body, spiritual and financial. She’s taught people measurable steps of what it takes to be successful. If you want to know how, or want Lisa to help you, go to [http://www.born2befit.com] and sign up to receive Lisa’s news letters. She will inspire you and get you on the right path. So do it now, you won’t be sorry. Get in touch on how to get 80 pounds.
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