Avoiding Holiday Dietary Disaster

It’s almost here. The chill in the air, the early darkness, a few passing snowflakes…

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!!!  

Chicago is particularly festive this time of year. We see department store decorations, pretty lighting in the streets and buildings, and food…Food…FOOD!

So, how does one prepare for this onslaught of overindulgence and prevent the inevitable dietary debacle? There are a few quick tips to keep in mind as we head into the season filled with spices and sweets:

• Eat before going to a party. Seems backwards, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s half the REASON to go to the party, to enjoy the yummies. The hungrier you are however, the harder it is to exercise good dietary judgment, and easier it is to overeat.
• Limit yourself to 1 (yes 1) alcoholic beverage at an event. Much more than that and you start to tip the blood sugar scales against you, resulting in your inner sugar monster being let out into a Christmas Candyland.
• Commit to eating veggies first. Whether at a sit-down dinner, cocktail party, or casual family buffet, load up on those powerfully-packed nuggets of nutrition first, and then head into the rest. All that fiber will fill you up, making you less likely to head back for unnecessary second’s, thirds, late-night leftovers, etc.
• Exercise dessert damage control. If there is a huge spread of delightful decadents, then take one-bite samples of 2-3 of your favorites. If the meal finishes with a slab or slice of something sinful, then share or ask for a small piece. Throwing your napkin on top after 3-4 bites and having the plate removed before you change your mind may even be the best choice!
• Maintain your exercise program. DON’T let this slide despite the increase in social commitments. It’s far easier to maintain your regimen than to have to start over after gaining the holiday 10. (Yep, the average gain is 5-10 lbs over the holidays) Plus, you’ll be ahead of the game for that tropical trip in February or Spring Break!

But if you DO slip into the holiday trap, have no fear, there’s a way out!

Cleansing Programs

These are specifically designed dietary programs of varying lengths and intensities that are a GREAT way to wipe away the holiday hip sledge and pave the way for a happy healthy New Year! I personally recommend a 3-week cleanse by Standard Process, a whole-food supplement company. It uses protein shakes, vegetables, brown rice, lentils, poultry, fish, herbs, spices and lots of water to help you clean from the inside out. However, it’s an intensely structured program, and should be done under doctor’s supervision. More information is available on DrSarahKelly.com, so feel free to take a look and contact me with any questions.   

I personally cleanse once a year right after New Year’s to get me back on a healthy track for the upcoming running season, and have come to CRAVE that feeling of being Lean and Clean!

I wish all of you a happy, healthy and fun holiday season!  

EAT Well! Live Better!

Dr. Sarah Kelly, Chiropractic Physician The Running Institute DrKelly@TheRunningInstitute.com 866.696.7988