By Michelle Borthwick
We are in the midst of Holiday Season where the average person gains up to 10 pounds. Who can relate? It’s game on for all the sweets and extra indulgences. This time of year can be a tough time and stressful. Then we overeat, have remorse and to top it off we gain weight.
Unless you live in a cave, you can’t avoid temptations at every turn. It may sound difficult to stay Keto this time of year but with creativity, discipline and the right mindset you can do it! How do you attend holiday parties and events where lots of food and people are involved where the temptation is highest and pressure is strongest?
Can you Keto during holidays and do really well? I’ve done it (I’ve been Keto for 16 months and maintained my goal weight) and YOU can do it too. Here are a few proven tips I’ve put together for YOU:
Choosing Foods – No matter what situation you find yourself in choose nutrient dense foods, fats and proteins that are satiating. (Example: Always eat as much turkey as you want with the skin. Then fill up on veggies with lots of butter, nuts, salads, and berries)
Your Keto WHY – Imagine what it will be like to enjoy the holidays and not always end up in a “carb coma”? Take that in, hold on to it, and always remember your Keto WHY! Why did you start Keto to begin with? Do you really want to go back the way you were living?
Embrace the Holidays – Don’t shy away from the holidays because you are Keto. It’s a special time of year for feasting and creating special memories with family, friends and business associates. Don’t miss out. Rather than thinking it may be difficult, work on your mindset and embrace the holidays this year. If you get tempted remember how great you will feel knowing that you won’t be gaining weight and over-indulging.
How do we kindly say no to pressures by family and friends – Sometimes people expect us to eat certain foods with them. They might say “Oh, just have one bite it won’t hurt you” or some people might feel “offended” that you aren’t having something special they prepared. Here are some foolproof ways to say no where no explaining is necessary:
“I feel so much better when I don’t eat gluten”
“I feel so much better when I don’t eat sugar”
“I’d love to, but I recently found out I have food allergies and it’s just not worth the risk”
Create your version of one of these. Keep it light and positive and it works like a charm.
Events, Family and Friend gatherings – Offer to bring your own food such as a dessert and a few other items so you know you have foods that you can eat. (They’ll be Keto of course and no one needs to know the difference unless you choose to tell them)
What about Alcohol? This is a common question and especially applies during the holidays. Practice moderation (no more than a few drinks a week) and stay with the most “Keto” friendly drinks knowing that no matter what it will affect your ketosis level and turn off your body’s ability to burn fat.
Also, note to self: when Keto you do get drunk faster and have worse hangovers.
So, what are the best alcohols?
- Vodka, tequila or gin for clear alcohol or Whiskey and rum
- What about wines? Prosecco, Champagne (stay away for Chardonnay or Rose) or a Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir
- Stay away from heavy red wines like Malbec or Merlot
- Stay away from Beer (unless it’s a light beer) but definitely avoid IPA beers as they have from 13 – 20 carbs of carbs.
Up your game with electrolytes when drinking alcohol and it must be included in your daily carb count!
“Always be prepared.” Have your “emergency” bag with you at all times (Keto crackers, cookies, chocolates, nuts, bars, nut butters, oils, etc.) and your fave go to foods and snacks. This strategy will save you on many, many occasions.
It’s not about surviving the Holidays! It’s about thriving and enjoying yourself. Plan on waking up January 1 feeling better than ever and saying “Wow, this was the best holiday ever. I ate delicious foods and I feel fantastic and I didn’t gain an ounce.”
Now, that’s Keto at its best during the Holidays. Holiday Blessings and Keto On!
I have an amazing and delicious compilation of Holiday recipes – cream of mushroom soup, egg nog, pecan and pumpkin pie bars with a shortbread crust, sugar cookies etc. that I’m happy to share.
Michelle Borthwick- Coaching Intuitive Keto & the Low Carb Lifestyle for the Everyday Woman. There is a lot of Keto hype out there about a one-size-fits-all formula for Keto. This simply doesn’t work and is causing confusion and misinformation. I know what works, what doesn’t and how to overcome the challenges of Keto. Unless it is completely customized to your lifestyle and your body it won’t work. I set aside time on Tuesday and Thursday for personal appointments to talk about your questions. Please book on my website at ketoiseasycoach.com or if you’d like Holiday recipes drop me an email at ketoiseasy@gmail.com
