How to Survive the Holidays

Everyone loves the holidays; our 12 month calendar is dotted with various celebrations. We know that to live is to work, but it can’t be all about work. Sometimes we have to kick back and take pleasure in the company of others. Lots of holidays are based on religious celebrations and others are meant to honour our country and the people who built it. There are even holidays that honour abstract ideas, like love and peace. But, for the Slimband patient, what many of these holidays mean is temptation.

There’s the temptation to eat chocolate on Valentine’s Day, the temptation to drink green beer on St. Patrick’s Day, the temptation to eat pie on Thanksgiving, and so on. Calendar holidays are also commercial opportunities for the manufacturers of greeting cards, alcohol, and even gasoline. Indulgence is encouraged during these times.

For anyone wanting to lose weight, holidays can be challenging. Alcohol is a real culprit here. It’s hard to say no to social drinking, so we have a drink. Bear in mind that it’s what we drink that can affect what we see on the scale. For instance, beer and wine are particularly fattening. The amount of empty calories acquired in a night of social drinking is shocking. It’s best to drink in moderation - try drinking spirits like gin or vodka, mixed with tonic water.

The same could be said of holiday eating. This is a lot trickier, as holiday foods are brimming with excess. Your band will definitely help prevent overindulgence, but it’s the types of food on the table that are the problem. Turkey, for instance, is fine for most people trying to lose weight, but stuffing, gravy, and cranberries are not.

Just remember the Slimband cup of food when you pull your seat up to the dinner table. One cup of food that contains: 3 oz. protein, 1/2 cup non-starchy vegetables and ¼ - ½ cup starch or complex carbohydrates. You have to focus on what’s good for you; a slice of turkey can be just as delicious without all the trimmings.

Holidays are fun, festive times. They don’t have to be stressful, but they do have to be managed. Don’t avoid the good times – embrace them and customize them. You can make holidays work for your needs.