I stole this line from Lyle McDonald because I love it so much. It’s perfect for the holidays and goes in line with the last tip on the topic: Plan to Maintain.
There are a plethora of bad choices that face us during the holidays. Do we have another helping? Do we have dessert? Do we have 2 desserts (who can resist taking a piece of both types of pie after Thanksgiving dinner)? Do we have another glass of champagne? Do we take the chocolate that’s offered?
Sometimes you can’t say “no” without being the Grinch – and sometimes we don’t want to say no. But saying yes doesn’t mean you can just abdicate all responsibility and go crazy. So instead make reasonable choices to indulge where it’s important.
- If you want both kinds of pie, take two 1/2 slices instead of two full servings – and skip the whipped cream or ice cream on top.
- Pick either dressing or potatoes with dinner, not both.
- Alternate glasses of water with whatever alcoholic drink you’re having. (Not only does this slow down your consumption of alcohol, it’ll help with alcohol related water retention the next day.)
- Have an appetizer or dessert, but not both at the same meal.
- If the choice is between veggies and a rich creamy spinach dip or fried stuffed mushrooms, choose the veggies and dip.
In other words: if you’re going to choose to eat something that falls on the “bad” side of the equation, at least make it a better bad choice.
Or as another friend of mine says: just because you take a small step off the path, it doesn’t mean you should throw yourself down the side of the mountain.
Enjoy your holiday reasonably rather than making it an all or nothing.
(And please remember during the holiday season to drink responsibly if alcohol is part of your celebrations!)