Holiday Preparations

I am convinced that the holidays were invented to bring destruction and chub onto my body. Seriously. With Halloween out of the way, we are now on the fast-track to food-fest, er, holiday season. =) This is a tough time of year for those of us who are working to lose body mass rather than gain it...and then some.

So, how do I prepare for the inevitable smorgasbord of food that will be passing my way?

1. Mindset
Believe it or not, your outcome is based largely in part by how you feel going into something. For instance, if I go into a vacation expecting to overeat and expecting to gain weight, I probably will. If you go in planning on doing a good job than you're less likely to fall off the bandwagon! Go into this holiday season with a good head on your shoulders and the plan to do well!

2. Plan Ahead
If you know you have a holiday party coming up make sure you really follow your weight loss plan the rest of the week. Don't use your upcoming party as an excuse to eat whatever you want. Don't say, "I have a party and I'm gonna gain weight anyway!" No! Know that you have an upcoming event and that you will need to save your "bonus" points until that event! I mean it! If you do it I'll do it. =)

3. Don't Quit
I know that parties are tough. If you do fall prey to the holiday food-fest, don't kick yourself! Use it as motivation to do better! Know that if you fall off the bandwagon it's waiting right there for you to get back on! Really, the bandwagon doesn't move without you on it! I swear! Never ever ever give up...ever.

4. Bring A Diet-Friendly Option
We all have that dreaded potluck party. Bring a healthy option! I know you probably have that "one dish" that you bring to everything, but maybe you can edit that one dish to be healthier...or bring a new dish altogether that could become another crowed favorite! You are the boss of you. You can try and say that you have no control over parties like that, but you have control over you. Be your own boss!

5. ASK
Oftentimes, we have family parties where I don't necessarily need to cook. We'll go over to my grandparents house and have a nice family meal. I'm sure some of you do the same thing! It's not difficult to pick up the phone and call your host/hostess and inquire as to what you'll be having for dinner. It's not difficult and I'm sure your host/hostess will not mind a bit (in fact, they'll probably commend you for the work you're doing to achieve your weight loss goal)! Suck it up and ask, guys, it'll do you (and your bodacious bod) a world of good!

6. Don't Quit
I repeat, don't quit! I can't stress this enough! Do NOT throw in the towel. If you need help and encouragement I'm always a comment/e-mail/facebook message away!

So, you guys, this is how I'm preparing for the dreaded holiday season. Hopefully these tips will be useful for you as well!

P.S. For the record, my "no snacks after 7:30" deal is working (except Halloween, of course)! My late-night snack attacks are non-existent! Woot woot! I'll still update you as time goes on...I'm aware it's only been a few days. Haha. Baby steps! =)

As always, comment, repin, +1, share, tweet, etc. to share these great tips with others!

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