Managing Nutrition During the Holidays

Thanksgiving is over and we now have two holiday’s left until the new year.

The holiday’s can be challenging, no doubt; but what if I told you that they don’t have to be the end of your progress?

This may be an obvious statement but YOU are in control. Regardless of how many parties you go to or what you are served (alcohol or food) – YOU are in control of what you actually consume. Here are a few tips that may help you feel more confident for the upcoming holidays.

1. Decide how you want to feel.

Ask yourself – how do I want to feel after this is all said and done. After every party, every meal – how do I WANT to feel? This opens you up to acknowledge those things you have done in the past that made you feel NOT so good. And trust me – you know.

Could it be the usual hangover you get after every occasion? The extremely unpleasant full feeling you get after getting too many plates of food? Or the not so fun experience you have the next morning or even the same night after consuming that dish you avoid the rest of the year?

One of the benefits of this time of year is the extra calories (not talking about alcohol). Especially if you are a member of a weightlifting club, CrossFit, Peloton, or any other form of exercise. Having these extra calories can help you feel great in those situations. Use it to your advantage.

Key takeaway, make a note of what you want to improve this year and how you want to feel after each event. This leads into point #2.

2. What will make you feel successful?

This is the magic question. What will make YOU feel successful? Don’t worry about what you think that you should be doing to be successful. What does success look like to you? Here are a few ideas:

I will feel successful if…

• I only get two plates of food – max.
• I will cap myself at 2 alcoholic beverages for this party.
• I try every dish, but stay mindful of my portions.
• I will stay hydrated the entire night.
• I will allow myself to have dessert knowing that I don’t have to eat it all in one night.
• I will allow myself to have leftovers because that means I can enjoy this food for more than one day.
• I won’t feel the need to drink alcohol at every party.
• I will make sure I have at least two vegetables on my plate.
• I will prioritize protein.
• I won’t drink alcohol so that I can have a strong workout tomorrow.

What you’ll notice about this list is that these ideas are not necessarily focused on restriction. It is all about what you want and finding small ways to get you there.

3. Lean on your coach.

Helping you navigate these moments are exactly what we are here for. You can have a ton of experience with dieting (both failed and successful), but that experience won’t replace the accountability and added perspective that having a coach can bring. Having some outside eyes can also help you take inventory of what might need to be changed. And once you have established what needs to be changed, your coach can help you get there.

You don’t have to do it alone. A health & wellness coach can be very valuable. You are not meant to lean on your coach forever. In fact, a good coach will set you up for success keeping in mind what is most sustainable for YOU. The goal should always be to prepare you to eventually manage this on your own.

Need a health & wellness coach?

Whether you are a member of DFX CrossFit, the DiamondFit Performance Raleigh family or not even a member at all – we’d love to work with you. We are located in Raleigh, but can offer coaching virtually. Send me an email at crystal@diamondfitperformance.com if you have specific questions or you can fill out my evaluation form as the first step. For more information please visit www.dfpnutrition.com.

Thanks for reading!

Crystal McLean

Head Coach

DiamondFit Nutrition