Make a Plan! If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll make decisions in the moment that you otherwise wouldn’t. If you know there is a party happening at your neighbors, decide what you will eat before you go. Plan to bring a healthy option to share, or ask the host what you can expect. Most people understand that dietary restrictions are common, so ask ahead of time. “Cheating” happens way easier and often without intent when you don’t plan ahead.

Ask for accommodations. If you are going out to eat or to a catered meal, ask the serving staff for appropriate accommodations. In a restaurant it’s often very easy to order some veggies and a protein a la carte even if you don’t see that option on the menu. At a catered event plan ahead (see tip #1) by asking for a healthy alternative ahead of time or if you’re unable bring some extra snacks to supplement for a while a meal you may not be able to eat.

Get Support! Tell your friends or family what your goals are and how you intend to stick to them. Get their support. It’s easy to sneak a cookie and think it doesn’t matter when you’re by yourself, but if your best friend is standing there and knows how serious you are about your goals you can avoid that mediocre, half-dried out, poorly decorated sugar cookie with no problem!

Know what to drink (besides water)! Most nutrition plans I suggest and any other practitioner will suggest includes no alcohol. It’s best to stick with that, but if you have been on your health journey for a while and your body is pretty well balanced a drink can be ok to have every once in a while. Hard liquor (vodka, tequila, gin) and dry wine are probably your best choices since they are most reliably gluten free and lighter in sugar. Choose a drink that doesn’t come with a lot of sugary syrups. There are gluten free beers and ciders as well, but these often are loaded with sugar. It’s probably ok to have a drink, but choose ONE or TWO for the entire evening.

Repeat your “why”! There is a reason you gave up all the chips and soda and sugary processed foods, and the reason was good. Go back in your mind to your why. What sort of life do you want to live? What sort of things do you want to do that made you make the changes you have? I guarantee those reasons will survive the holiday season and be waiting for you on January 1. Welcome the new year with a body that’s enjoyed friends, family, and fun but hasn’t compromised it’s goals or health.

You can stick to your nutrition plan and you'll be so glad you did. If there's a chance though that you slip up some, don't beat yourself up, just jump right back on the plan and keep going. If you know you need a plan but have never considered how to truly achieve your health goals and the life you know you can live, let's talk! Book a Health Discovery Session to discover how I can help you be the healthiest version of you.