Well the holiday parties have started and although we don’t have any snow yet, it’s the season! The season of fantastic food, fun beverages and weight gain… Many of my clients dread this season.
Temptation and guilt are every where.
It’s a hard season to get through if you are battling weight or have GI issues.
All that turkey and stuffing!
Having to explain your food sensitivities to every auntie, or risking insulting grandma by not eating her world famous apple pie is quite frankly a nightmare.
Hibernation is an option, however I thought I’d share how we advise our clients get through the season with as little damage as possible.
First off, holiday parties. As I mentioned, these events draw a lot of panic to our clients. For those trying to lose weight, it is an impossible task to avoid the goodies and treats laid out before them. I would like to throw this out there – STOP PUTTING OUT CHIP BOWLS!!! When I go to a party, I can tell when my hosts have made an effort in presenting good food because there are no chip bowls. Instead there are veggie trays with amazing humus dips, cheese plates, and other scrumptious appetizers. So as the host of a holiday party, I urge you to care about the health of your guests. Take an extra 60 minutes and make something you can be proud to serve. The idea that “I’ll only have a few” or “it’s a special occasion” or “I don’t normally eat this, but I was at a party” really is a farce. Yes, the occasional treat is ok to consume… but during holiday season the once “occasional treat” may appear 6 times that week! These all add up. And not to mention alcohol! Your favourite beverage accounts for 85-115 calories! The average person will have 3 drinks at a party, which is equivalent to 300 calories or a small meal. No wonder we all begin to look like Santa! So I urge you to take some responsibility for what you are serving people this season. You can make unbelievable holiday meals that are healthy.
Here are a few suggestions for hosting a healthy holiday.
1) Make a veggie landscape. Step up the veggie tray and create a beautiful platter to entice your guests to eat. This picture shows how I put tomatoes of different colours on skewers, used heirloom carrots for colour and made a radish flower.
2) Create at least two non-starch vegetable dishes. For example steamed greens (spinach, kale, swiss card) and roasted peppers. This will give your guests ample opportunity to get in their veggies. Potatoes are ok to serve, just make sure you have some other options too. Or try sweet potatoes for a low glycemic option. PS – Scrap the canned or frozen veggies… they are just gross and no one wants to eat them.
3) Serve salad with olive oil dressing. Nothing is more disappointing to me then a beautiful salad prepared with love from my host only to be handed a bottle of Kraft dressing. It takes a nano second to make it yourself, so there is no excuse.
4) Get rid of the junk food. Please, I beg you, stop buying these bags of garbage. No one wants to eat it. No one will say the next day how much they enjoyed the chips. No… all they will say is “I wish I hadn’t eaten so much crap.” At minimum, pick up a prefab veggie tray.
5) Stop guilt tripping your guests. So what if you spent 5 hours making that pie, if a guest refuses, respect them. Don’t ask stupid questions like “What? Are you on a diet?” Maybe they are, or maybe they have sensitivity to what you just served. It’s not your business so don’t pressure them to eat if a guest says no. Another point – Ask guests prior to your event if anyone has sensitivities and make sure there are at least two dishes they can eat safely.
If you are attending holiday parties where you don’t have control or don’t know what’s being served, here are a few tips:
1)
Stand away from the chip bowl…. Plant yourself next to the veggie tray so you will be more likely to snack on the veg not the crap.
2) Hold a wine glass of water in your hand. Often times, a drink is really just a comfort prop. I know I hate being empty handed while talking to people. Holding water will also keep you hydrated… and as I mentioned avoiding the extra calories. Save the wine for dinner.
3) I enjoy eating at parties, however, I’m often aware of people watching me… I’m supposed to be UBER healthy right? My philosophy is to create a balance. If I know I’m going to be at an event that won’t be perfect food, I eat clean the rest of the day. For example, I have oatmeal for breakfast and salad for lunch. Then I don’t have to feel guilty for that extra helping of potatoes.
4) Pick your battles. Alcohol and dessert can double or triple your calorie count. If keeping the weight off is your goal, make a choice and stick to it. Personally, I always choose dessert. I find turning down alcohol much less offensive and easier to do at parties.
5) Take control! Offer to bring part of the meal. Then make sure it’s a healthy dish, that way you will know there will be at least one item there you can safely consume.
6) Half veggie rule: Fill half your plate with veggies every time you eat. Then relax and don’t worry about it.
7) Say No. This is your body, your journey, and your life. If you don’t feel you should eat something then don’t feel guilty about it. You are the one in control of your body and you are the only one responsible for putting food in your mouth. Don’t eat it, if it doesn’t have colour, flavor, AND benefits to it.
I hope these tips will help you create a healthier happier holiday.
This doesn’t need to be a stressful season, but you do need to be prepared and confident in your choices.
If all else fails, call me January 2
nd and I’ll help you get back on the bandwagon!
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