Have a Plan This Holiday Season

Have a plan (before you even walk in the door)– and stick to it! (even if the plan is to indulge). It's much easier to relax, enjoy and get back on track if you plan sensible indulgences into the season...

Step One - Eat before you go.  Focus on some lean protein and lots of veggies so you are satisfied instead of starving when you arrive.

Step Two - Survey the spread.  Don't just dive right in to the buffet.  Make a lap around the table and see what your options are before you fill your plate.  Decide which indulgences are "worth it."

Step Three - Fill a small plate (½ veggies, ¼ protein like shrimp or lean meat, ¼ plate starches and treats).  Enjoy a small amount of treats that you love and can't have any other time.

Step Four - Savor and enjoy every bite! (and if it isn't as awesomely delicious as you thought it would be, don't finish it)

Step Five - Hang out away from the food.  Lingering around the food makes it more likely that you will continue to nibble.  Get outta there!

Step Six - Get back on track.

Hydrate

Exercise

Acknowledge slip-ups and move on

Resume healthy habits