Spring Holiday Prep: Tips for a Healthier Celebration
Hey there, Coach Jeri here! With spring around the corner and holidays approaching, it’s natural to feel a bit stressed about staying on track with your health goals. Family gatherings often come with tempting foods that may not align with your meal plan, making it challenging to avoid overeating. However, it is possible to enjoy the holiday without derailing your progress. Let go of the notion that holiday fun revolves solely around eating. You can have a great time while sticking to your Healthi plan, enjoying the company, and making a strategy to navigate the day. Easter and Passover can be just as festive when approached with a plan.
Tips to help you stay on track and prepare for spring:
- Hosting Advantage: If you’re hosting, you have the upper hand. Serve fresh vegetables with yogurt dip or salsa as appetizers. Look up traditional dishes online to find lighter versions. Include fruit on the dessert table and encourage guests to take leftovers home.
- Bring Your Own Dish: When invited out, offer to bring a dish that fits your dietary needs. This not only helps you but also assists the host.
- Research Menus: If dining out, check the menu beforehand to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Special Memories and Foods: Each holiday has special foods associated with it. Identify what makes Easter or Passover special for you. Have those foods, but watch your portions and track them.
- Change Your Attitude: There’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying holiday foods. Set boundaries on portion sizes rather than labeling foods as good or bad.
- Plan Ahead: Decide in advance what you will indulge in. For example, limit yourself to one glass of wine with ice, have a salad with your meal, and choose one dessert to enjoy.
- Stay Active: Get up, help clear the table, and if the weather is nice, go for a walk. Avoid spending too much time sitting at the table.
- Embrace Imperfection: Aim for progress, not perfection. Give yourself permission to enjoy the holiday and get back on track the next day.
Approach your holiday dinner with a positive mindset. Focus on your family, your health, and your future in a healthier body. Having a plan will give you hope that this time will be different. After the holiday, step on the scale with confidence, knowing you’ve stayed true to your goals. Spring is on the way, and you’ll shed those winter coats with confidence. To everyone in the Healthi community: Happy Easter, Passover, and let’s embrace spring together!
