What are you struggling with on this journey? For me, it’s resisting temptation. I’m already having a hard time, and Thanksgiving & Christmas are right around the corner. It’s not so much that I’ll be attending big parties with lots of tempting food – it’s the little things before that that worry me. Like the baked goodies people bring into the office and you don’t want to be rude and refuse. The little holiday parties we all have with our friends, our co-workers, MAYBE family, but not necessarily. So how do you (me!) navigate these situations? I think that’ll be my focus this week.
First, let’s talk about the little temptations at work. My supervisor puts the yummy snacks out for everyone a few times a week. The GOOD chips, the good candy. But this is stuff I can get ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. No one is going to notice if I do or don’t have them. So I can skip them. But the temptation is there, so I’m going to pack my lunch bag with healthy snacks – low carb or not. So Jerky. Hard boiled eggs. What about the goodies your coworkers bring in? Do you NEED to try it? Sometimes, that’s unavoidable depending on who it is. But what if it’s your favorite food? You have to make the decision if your goals are more important that what you might be missing out on this YEAR. Will missing it THIS season really make a big difference in the grand scheme of things?
I have SO many appointments this week, I know I’m going to be tired when I get home at the end of the day. So I’m going to meal prep my WHOLE day ahead of time and have dinner planned out and ready to go when I get home. No need to stop for something quick or drive through/fast food on the way when I’m tired and my willpower is low. Dinner will be in the crock pot ready to go, or already cooked and I just have to pop it in the microwave for a couple mins and I’ll have a healthy, nutritious, YUMMY dinner ready to go.
I know I’ve got a couple happy hour meetings this week too. Not really holiday parties, but networking events at bars, etc. My number one tip for success at these types of events is to PLAN AHEAD. Look at the menus. Watch the times. Plan your meals for before and after.
I’ve already looked at the menu to see what I can drink, and what the food options MIGHT be. I’ll be taking a little extra food to work those days so I can take the edge of my appetite prior to going. I’ll probably double up on my ketones too, so my willpower is supported by the appetite suppression of the ketones. And again, I know I’ve got dinner waiting for me at home.
I don’t want to forget the actual holidays themselves. We’re having our big dinner this weekend. So I’m helping cook. If I want to substitute a specific ingredient (helloooo sugar!) I’m bringing the substitute and I’ll be prepping that portion of the meal. I’m helping plan the menu (ok, I’m really planning MOST of it, I think lol) so I’m making sure I include the favorites, but adding a healthy twist to them that most people in attendance won’t even notice. So what can you do to be successful at the holiday meals themselves? Can you implement any of these ideas?
If you’re curious about one on one or group coaching, send an email to essentially.lyd@gmail.com and I’ll connect with you right away!
Essentially Health & Wellness 