When you're trying to eat healthier during the holidays, there can be obstacles with typical holiday food and drinks. But, you may also experience the eye-rolls from friends or family when you forgo the "party menu" - mac and cheese, cheesy potatoes, sugar cookies, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and all the other sugar-, wheat-, or dairy-laden treats. In light of holiday parties starting (including one with my family this weekend), here are three great tips for eating health(ier) during the holidays AND also mitigating the the dreaded "backlash"... 1) BRING some of your own food... and have enough for others. That doesn't mean you have to supply food for the entire group. But, have more than for just yourself. It allows others to try it, especially those who are interested in what you're doing for your health. For example, bake and take a few packages of organic chicken drumsticks, instead of just enough for yourself. 2) Tactfully EXPLAIN why you're avoiding certain foods. If you had an allergy (like a peanut allergy for example), your family would understand why you don't want to eat peanuts. Having an intolerance or insensitivity to inflammatory foods like dairy, wheat, or sugar is no different. Simply explain that you've found when you eat certain foods, they don't agree with you. You can tell them as much or as little about the symptoms they cause to help them understand. 3) REMOVE. This applies to both you and the food. In my family, the kitchen tends to be a gathering place... and that's where the food is! Don't rely on willpower to control. Simply remove yourself from the unhealthy food environment. Similarly, remove the food from the dish, pan, or serving bowl. Place it in your own bowl or on its own plate, and remove yourself and your meal/snack from the kitchen. The holidays are STILL a time to [HASH=1832]#BeYourOwnGuarantee[/HASH], and now it just got easier. - Dr. Ryan |
