Before we know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. This is one of the most challenging times of year to stick to a clean diet due to the abundance of treats we will soon be surrounded with. So how do you manage to not set yourself back and still enjoy the season?
- Decide what you want out of this holiday season. If you want to smash the Open in February and PR all your lifts in January, then you will need to stay focused these next two months. On the far end of the “clean eating” spectrum, there is the 100% clean all the time end, where you WILL need to make sacrifices, give up things, and be “that” guy or girl who isn’t drinking at the Christmas party. If you are very focused on your training or have specific weight loss goals – this is where you might be. There is nothing wrong with being “that” guy or girl- just have a strong why behind your actions and remind yourself of that why constantly– that way forgoing certain things will not feel like deprivation, it will simply be a part of the process you are undergoing to get to where you want to be (*Tip*: in formulating your why- try to frame it around something positive. So instead of having your “why” be I want to lose my love handles, change that why to: I want to be comfortable in my own skin and feel strong in my workouts every day. Your Why is the reason behind your goals). I recently read an interview with Andrea Ager where she talked about being 100% paleo for an entire year straight with no cheating. She was asked if she went crazy, and she said no, she was so focused on her training and making the best choices for her body that she didn’t see her diet as a negative thing, it was just a part of the process (side note: she no longer follows paleo, but I thought this was a good illustration of dedication). If you are giving things up and feeling like you are missing out, come back to your Why.
2. Remember the real reason for the season. We hear this expression all the time this time of year. The reason for the season is giving thanks and spending time with family. It’s not desserts and drinking. If you want to indulge in some of Aunt Betty’s pecan pie that she only makes on Thanksgiving, do it. If you feel yourself going too far off the deep end, remind yourself why you are there in the first place and what you are celebrating. You are there to connect with friends and family, maybe these are people who you only see this time of year. Shift your focus away from food to toward the real reason for the season.
I hope these tips help you to stay on track this holiday season and make the most out of your holiday get togethers!