Holiday Rescue Plan by Roxana Soetebeer

test

Holiday Rescue Plan by Roxana Soetebeer

Holiday Rescue Plan

Family gatherings, Christmas parties, store displays, well-meant gift and cookie baskets, or plates with Christmas sweets in the office ... temptations are everywhere. What to do to sail safely through the holidays?

Make a plan:

As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Having a plan in place keeps us safe from rash and emotional decisions. That plan can include full meals, desserts, snacks, Christmas treats (keto style), and even going out for food.

The Holiday Rescue 10-step plan

Make a meal plan: have all your meals and snacks for the holidays planned
Choose your favourite meals and desserts that will satisfy you and your family
Make a shopping list for that meal plan
Let your friends and family know why it is crucial for you and your health to stick with your plan
Be accountable (with keto buddies, in keto FB groups etc.)
Make it a challenge
Don't worry about the amount of food or the calories. Just keep carbs low and keep all food choices keto.
Find your motivation (examples below)
Track your macros
If it helps, weigh yourself every morning. If it doesn't help, don't.

Here are some ideas of what your motivations could be. Make this list your own. Include things that are meaningful to you, not what others think is important:

weight loss
improved metabolic health
non-scale victories (improvements not measured by the scale)
feeling happy
improved mental health
avoiding and reversing diabetic complications
think about how your body works, love your body, treat it right to feel your best
get inspired by this satirical view on the losses we suffer on a ketogenic diet

What about cheat days during the holidays?

Can we plan a few cheat days to make the holidays more enjoyable?

I dislike the innocent connotation of the term "cheat days." Think about whom you are cheating. Think about the consequences. Most people like myself are abstainers. That means one cheat meal turns into a cheat day, a cheat week, and a complete loss of control. Such is the power of food addiction. One "harmless" cheat can derail the best of intentions. Try to avoid allowing yourself a cheat.

Does that mean we can't eat any treats?

The easy answer: Treats are OK, but make them yourself and keep them keto. Keep in mind, though, that even keto treats can be trigger foods.

If there are no cheats, how about everything in moderation?

It sounds like a great idea, but it is a trap. Read our blog on moderation.

Here are a few recipe suggestions: