Beating The Holiday Binge

Heading out on a holiday adventure? Fantastic! While you’re jet-setting to new destinations, remember that you can still maintain your healthy eating habits and even shed a few pounds or simply sustain your healthy weight.

Sure, navigating healthy choices while traveling requires a bit of creativity and strategy. You’ll likely find yourself dining out frequently, perhaps enjoying all your meals at restaurants. But fear not! With the right approach, you can stay on track and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Start by adjusting your goals. While holidays aren’t typically the time for strict dieting, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon all the healthy habits you’ve cultivated. Opting for nutritious choices wherever you roam is the key to keeping trim. After all, you’ve worked hard to develop these healthy routines, so why not enjoy them?

Alternatively, you might feel tempted to indulge to the max after all, vacations only come around once a year, right? But pause for a moment and ask yourself: Do you really want to undo all your progress? Do you want to return home only to restart your weight loss journey from square one? The aftermath of holiday indulgence might just leave you with an unwelcome “holiday hangover” – right around your waistline. So, consider this: Is it truly worth it? With a few savvy and mindful choices, you can make a world of difference…

Remember, maintaining your healthy lifestyle on vacation doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. It’s about striking a balance that allows you to savor every moment while still prioritizing your well-being. So, as you embark on your holiday escapades, bring along your good habits and savor the journey, one nutritious choice at a time. Your body will thank you!

• Plan ahead (of course, that’s why you are reading this).
• Learn about food substitutions. Eating healthily doesn’t mean you have to miss out – just make smart replacements. A large magnum at around 300 calories, swap for a water ice lolly around 75-100 calories.
• No people pleasing. Eat only what you want, not as an obligation to others for cooking your favourite dish. You are the one who will have to live with your decision. Others may actually respect you more for standing up for yourself.
• Practice assertiveness skills so you can refuse foods or activities without feeling guilty or hurting others’ feelings.
• Choose to eat healthily ahead of time. Be prepared especially on long journeys. Have plenty of healthy snacks and lots of water on hand and also a good read to keep boredom at bay and mindless eating.
• No skipping meals. Being overly hungry can result in loss of control and a binge at meal time. Keep to your normal regular eating pattern.
• Smaller portions. Allow yourself to taste what you want in smaller portions so you don’t feel deprived. Healthy eating is not punishment so don’t set yourself up for a binge by depriving yourself of your favourites. You’ll only resent it.
• Visualise yourself eating healthily prior to going to your holiday family event.
• Be conscious of what you are doing and eating.
• Chew slowly and enjoy your food. Put your fork down between each bite.
• Check out the local shops and markets and try new fruit and vegetables and other local specialties that are healthy and different from the norm.
• Exercise a little longer and a little harder during your holidays. This will burn off the extra calories, keep your metabolism revved and help you beat stress. Use every opportunity to walk more, it all adds up. Don’t forget to pack your exercise gear!
• No guilt. Make a conscious effort to choose what you are eating without the guilt attached.
• Stop eating when you are physically full. Start learning now to recognise the difference between physical and emotional hunger.
• Manage your emotions. Have a plan for what you will do in the event strong emotions arise when faced with certain situations or family members. Don’t follow a row with a trip to the biscuit tin.
• Plan to wear the same snug fitting outfit on your outbound trip as on your inbound journey. Pack only clothes that fit you snuggly not a larger size for the second half of your holiday.
• Know that putting on a couple of pounds will NOT cause you to go back to square one. It’s okay!
• Resume your lifestyle of balance and wellness just after the holiday has passed.