Holidays Don't Have to be Hard: Guest Post by Diane from 'Fit to the Finish'

A few weeks ago, Diane, who blogs on her site, “Fit to the Finish,” guest blogged here on Snack Chat. She shared her inspiring story of losing 150 pounds by improving her diet and getting into an exercise routine and provided tips she uses everyday to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Today, Diane is guest blogging again on Snack Chat, offering a few strategies that help her get the most out of celebrating the holiday season with family and friends, while staying committed to healthy eating and fitness goals.

I can hardly believe the holiday season is here! I love everything about this time of year: The decorations, the smells, the traditions and, of course, the food. Gathering with friends and family is always special, but when we have the opportunity to celebrate a holiday with people we’re close to, the meaning is extra special.

When I weighed 300 pounds, the “extra meaning” I found during the holiday season wasn’t about family and friends, but rather, about the candy, cake, pies and extra opportunities to eat. I spent many hours in the kitchen whipping up batches of cookies for no particular reason, other than the fact it was November. I didn’t really try to stay healthy during the holidays and used the calendar as an excuse to eat.

After I lost 150 pounds, staying in shape and eating healthy foods during the holiday months became very important to me. I wanted to enjoy time with family and friends without stressing over the foods I needed to prepare or worrying about my weight. (Pictured left: Diane and her family during the 2008 holiday season.)

After some thought, I decided it was all about balance. How could I balance the desire to eat socially with family and friends and maintain my weight at the same time? I knew I needed to stay active and figured there were some specific eating strategies I could employ to make both desires a reality. I soon realized it was quite simple, and I want to share a few things I do to throughout the holiday season to stay on track.

First, I offer to bring part of the meal when I’m invited to a holiday gathering. By offering to help with the food, I am able to contribute a healthier entrée or snack. If a family member asks me to bring a snack, I bring Baked! Lay’s and dip, or salsa and Baked! Tostitos. If I need to make an entrée, I simply modify a family favorite to reduce the fat and calories. The best thing is that no one notices the differences, yet everyone benefits from my healthier food contributions. 

I also plan ahead for how many indulgences I’ll allow myself to enjoy. For example, I may have some chips and dip, but not a cookie. Or, I may have a piece of pie but forego the whipped cream on top. By enjoying a bit of what I truly love to eat, I take away any feelings of guilt. I balance my desires with my healthy living objectives.

Lastly, I don’t declare any foods off limits. In the past, when I unsuccessfully attempted to control my holiday eating habits, I would often make sweeping declarations about what foods I would and wouldn’t eat. “No chocolate for me,” I’d say. But usually, before the end of that day, I would break my own promise. So, by giving myself permission to eat the right amounts of the holiday foods I loved, I avoided the feelings of guilt and overindulgence that I previously experienced.

Two things happened when I began employing these strategies. First, I was able to maintain my weight through the holiday months. This was a huge victory for me, and one I’ve been able to duplicate in the 12 years since I reached my goal weight. 

The second positive thing that happened was I began enjoying the entire season more than I ever thought possible. Gone were the agonizing decisions of what to eat -- replaced instead by the self-satisfaction that came in knowing I had eaten in moderation, thoroughly enjoyed every bite of food and appreciated every minute I spent with family and friends.

Holidays don’t have to be hard. I’ve learned I really can have the best of both worlds. I can eat the foods I love in moderation and still stay on track with my own personal health and wellness goals. I can focus on the meaning of the holiday, while at the same time, take pleasure in the closeness I experience when my family and I gather around the table to enjoy a healthy holiday celebration.

Comments

[Chief Blogger]

Great advice. I was telling my friend Dwight this morning while biking that I gained 5 pounds on a recent vacation to Italy and have not been able to lose it, despite increased exercie. I am worried about gaining even more weight over the holidays, but now I'll put your blog on the refrigerator for inspiration. Thanks.