By Michelle Borthwick
We are in the midst of the Holiday Season where the average person gains up to 10 pounds. Who can relate? It’s game on for all the sweet treats and extra indulgences. This time of year can be a tough time and stressful. Most of us don’t want to overeat but we do it and suffer from remorse and weight gain.
Unless you live in a cave, you can’t avoid temptations at every turn. Does it sound difficult to stay Keto this time of year? Are you Keto and “planning ahead?” Are you going to have a cheat day? A cheat week? Are you going to even make an ATTEMPT to keep it Keto over the holidays or are you already making deals with yourself about a strong Restart in 2022?
Can you Keto during holidays and do well? Yes, you can with creativity, discipline, pre-planning, and the right mindset you can do it! You may be wondering how do you attend holiday parties where lots of food and drink are involved…this often is where the temptation is highest, and pressure is strongest?
I’ve done it (I’ve been Keto for 3years 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 or appetizer 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) The host is usually thrilled that you’ve brought something and you’ll be thrilled to have a healthy alternative among mostly unhealthy choices.
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.
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, etc.) and your fave go to foods and snacks. This strategy will save you on many, many occasions. My purse is now the Mary Poppins purse…you just never know what I’ll pull out of it. Do the same.
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 weight.” Now that is truly a miracle and a blessing worth every keto bite.
If you REALLY WOULD like to faithfully stick to Keto — while still enjoying the holiday season, and need support or plan to start right after the holidays are over, please book a free 30-minute consult with me and I’ll help you make an action plan (very realistic). I can make it easy for you.
Holiday Blessings and Keto On!
P.S. I have an amazing and delicious compilation of Holiday recipes you can download for free on my website – cream of mushroom soup, egg nog, pecan and pumpkin pie bars with a shortbread crust, sugar cookies etc.
About Michelle Borthwick: Michelle is a Keto customization expert and coach. Keto weight loss results can be greatly improved with Coaching, Customization, Accountability, and a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way. Michelle offers private sessions, proven Keto diet hacks, goal setting, ongoing support and more. If you are interested in a Keto lifestyle designed to get you lasting results, book a free 30-minute complimentary private coaching session online at KetoIsEasyCoach.com
