Here comes the holidays!  As a personal Venice Nutrition Coach and Chef for over 6 years, I have learned quite a few tricks on how to survive the holidays while keeping my waist line in check.  The fact is the holidays are a fun and wonderful time of year to enjoy great friends and delicious food.  You may think that Nutrition and Fitness Experts avoid any type of indulgence over the holidays, but that’s simply not true!  We just know how to indulge the right way!  Read on to learn some real-life tips to staying on course while enjoying your holiday season.

First and foremost, understand that your normal routine and schedule will change this crazy time of year.    There will be more opportunities to over-indulge and maybe less time to fit in a workout.    One of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone is to acknowledge that life is going to get in the way over the holidays and that’s OK.   By accepting the challenges beforehand, your more likely to go with the punches when they arise.  Perhaps your goals change a bit to adapt to the holiday season as well.  During the holidays, I make it my goal to maintain my weight and body fat % and fitness level instead of aiming to achieve more simply because it’s more realistic for me.

All of my clients, myself included, go to holiday parties, indulge in a little alcohol and delicious food and desserts.  How can we possibly enjoy all the holidays have to offer and still reach our goals?  My most successful clients have learned to “Let it go”.  This can be a challenge at first if you are someone who is very “black and white” in your thinking.  I have found that when I first meet a potential client, if they have a past of either being “on” their diet or “off” their diet,  they usually have never achieved long term success.  Why?  This “all or nothing” thinking doesn’t allow for permanent results.  It is my primary goal as their coach to teach them that a healthy lifestyle includes attending parties and eating not so healthy food once in a while.   Basically I teach them to “Let it go”.  There’s no need to focus on the extra cookie you ate or the workout you skipped.  Right now, right this minute, is another opportunity to get it right and that’s where your focus should be!   Another tip?  Save the excuses and don’t give yourself an “out”!  The worst thing you can tell yourself is, “I’ll get back on track next week, or after the holidays.”  You’ll feel a whole lot better and do a lot less damage if you get back on track at your next meal.    After all, permanent success is all about balance and living your life and enjoying it.

Next, preparation is key.  I always tell my clients that if you know you have a huge party planned on Saturday night, then aim to eat well all week.  Get in your workouts and drink plenty of water.  This way when you indulge on Saturday night, there’s no guilt and very little damage done to your waist line! 

Last night I went to a Christmas party.  I admit I drank the homemade Cherry Wheat beer.  I sampled the hummus and pitas and had a plate of roast beef, ziti and salad.  I even ended the night with a sugar cookie dripping with sweet frosting.   And I don’t feel guilty one bit!!!!  I woke up this morning and had my eggs and wheat toast to re-stabilize my blood sugar.  I already have my workout planned for later this afternoon.  I made sure to eat well all week because I knew that I had a big party to attend Saturday night.  I drank plenty of water last night before I fell asleep.   Overall, I followed my own advice.  I acknowledged that I was going to indulge a bit at the party, I prepared to do so and I got right back on track the moment I could.    I enjoyed the christmas party and I’m still on track to reaching my goals, and so can you.  Happy Holidays!

Valerie Cogswell

Head Chef and Nutrition Coach