Your Holiday Survival Guide

The holidays have arrived. 

That means lights are up in my neighborhood, decorations are up at work and there's a half empty Christmas tree box in my living room. 

That also means that we're at the time of year where most people gain 5 to 10 pounds over the few weeks. With all the parties, special meals and edible gifts, weight gain is pretty much inevitable...right? 

Not necessarily.

I've come up with a survival strategy to keep holiday pounds from making a permanent home on your hips. 

This strategy is very simple. I'm not expecting you to have the time to log all your calories or eat every meal at home. We are going to be realistic... 

Golden Tip to Avoid Holiday Pounds

Here it is: Spend the next three weeks eating like a caveman, with one daily exception. 

Here's why: Holiday pounds are caused by eating too many foods that are high in carbohydrates and simple sugars. 

You can avoid all that by sticking with an eating plan that's more inline with our prehistoric ancestors, while still keeping things fun by allowing for two small daily exceptions. 

This is what you would eat... 

As many fresh and fiber-filled vegetables as you want.

• Load up on salads (watch the dressing, try and stick to a bit of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice).
• Enjoy vegetable side dishes.
• Just no starchy vegetables like potato or corn.

Lots of lean, protein-filled meats and eggs.

• Stick with meat that has been roasted, barbequed, or baked.
• Avoid fried meats and eggs.

Fruits, nuts and seeds in moderation

• Fresh fruit for a delicious dessert.
• A handful of nuts or seeds for a snack.
• Don't eat sugar-added fruits, nuts or seeds.

Then enjoy ONE small exception per day...

• ONE bread or grain product: No larger than the size of your palm.
• Starchy vegetables: Half of a cup.
• Baked goods: Should fit into the palm of your hand.
• Candies or confections: The smaller the better but no more than three small pieces of candy a day.
• Holiday drinks: One 8 once drink.

This plan works because it allows you to indulge in one exception each day. This encourages you to pick and choose the holiday cheat food that you really love, as opposed to feeling obligated to eat everything in sight. 

When you navigate the buffet line at your next holiday party, feel confident knowing that you have a game plan. Stick with salad, vegetables and meats first, then pick your  small exceptions and savor those knowing that come January you won't have to go on some ultra-strict diet that won't work anyway.

If you're looking for a more personalized plan, then feel free to call or email me to set up a consultation. 

If you've enjoyed this article, please be sure to "Like" it and forward it to a friend!​

Yours in good health,
​
Coach George
Online Certified Trainer
Body Transformation Coach
ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer
Precision Nutrition Certified Nutritionist
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