Holiday Tips: Put on your "Holiday Armour"

Take these 4 pieces of "armour" into any holiday function, event or get-together. It could be at someone else's house, your own home or out to eat.

1. Shield: Come to the event with being well-fueled. On days where you know you have an event, be extra mindful to start with an egg or yogurt breakfast (and not cereal, donuts or skipping entirely). Be sure to eat lightly throughout the day, but choosing quality foods that will shield you from having excessive desires for certain things. For example, if you have a burger and fries for lunch, your body will be primed to desire more rich and hearty foods for dinner. 

2. Sword: Bring a dish with you that will act as a defense against filling your plate with too much high fat, high sugar choices. If you are eating out, you must choose a side salad, veggie soup or 1-2 veggies as a side to encourage fueling properly, even if you do choose something more indulgent.

3. Boots: Choose to move those feet (aka your body) on days before events and you will regulate your blood sugar to support better choices and a healthier mentality going into the event. It ABSOLUTELY works.

4. Belt: This one can be really helpful! Wear jeans or something more fitting to a party or event- you will be less likely to overindulge because no one likes to feel uncomfortable. Don't loosen your belt either!

5. Helmet: This is the most important one! The helmet encompasses the way you think at the event or situation. Stressed? Burnt out? Frustrated? Happy and ready to party? All of these can lead to disaster if you don't organize your thoughts and change your mindset. Turn on your thinking cap and don't mindlessly start crunching! If you aren't thinking, your emotions will drive your eating. Instead, slow down, think about what foods look good that are worth indulging in, what foods are not worth mindlessly eating and filling up on calories, as well as what foods might lead to disaster (hello puppy-chow, maybe one of the most addicting foods!). Think about your choices and how you will feel after and think about how you can enjoy the event with things other than just food!

Put on your armour this holiday and avoid situations that can put on the holiday pounds and also promote inflammation, breed negativity and regret and cause you to roll into January with a lot of making up to do!