Don't Let the Holidays Derail your Progress!

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The holiday season is in full swing and with the season comes less than optimal nutrition, poor lifestyle choices, and less movement. I used to think that this was something that people choose not to avoid or use as an excuse to overindulge, however, having kids and creating/carrying out family traditions has proven to make this time of the year more challenging! ​

So how do we mitigate the damage while not bah humbugging?

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Here are the things I prioritize and keep in perspective: ​

1. Prioritize Protein either before your party or fill up on any available protein.
   
2. Set the intention to not let your holiday meals go beyond the meal itself. Your next meal is your chance to get back on track!
   
3. Choose the homemade deserts over the processing plant food products.
   
4. This may not be your time for progress. This may be your time for maintenance of the habits you have built.
   
5. Say no to the treats that people gift you at work. Save your indulgence for the gatherings with your family and friends.
   

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When we have plans coming up that inevitably lead to less optimal food choices the main thing I do with myself and my kids is make sure we start our day with a great meal full of whole foods and protein. This will ensure that we are still covering our basic nutritional needs and reduce our cravings for carb heavy meals later in the day.

Another thing I personally do is lean into the homemade sweets over anything store bought or processed. While these are not healthy in my opinion I would rather have something quality that was handmade to curb my sweet tooth over something that was made in a processing plant with who knows how many chemicals and additives. I also apply this to my work week, if you know you have an event coming up on Saturday use that as your focal point and time to indulge. This time of year there are plenty of people bringing cookies and treats to work, however, these little bits add up a lot across the week. Save the calories for the time you can enjoy them with your family and friends.

Lastly, aim to not let these holiday meals go beyond the meal itself. If we arent prepared or aware of the future it is easy for these meals to lead to subsequent poor choices. Planning a quality meal after your indulgence will set you up for success and ensure that we do not create poor habits!

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Andrew Cataldo, CSCS OPEX CCP
Director - Performance Division 
E: [email protected]