The average American gains 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
When you look at how we view the holiday season in terms of food, it’s not a surprise.
I love the holidays, but I don’t love the weeks of holiday feeding frenzy that come with them.
People who find Code Red are a mix of confident they’ll stay on track, and also NOT confident they’ll stay on track, even though they want to.
Obviously, ain’t nobody holding you down and shoving food in your mouth. You control whether the fork goes in your mouth.
But old habits and peer pressure can team up to test your willpower.
That’s why I never recommend relying on willpower alone, especially when we’re talking about addictions to sugar, food in general, or destructive behaviors that involve food.
Here are some things you can do to stay on track for the holidays.
ALWAYS have a plan.
Whether you’re facing down baked goods at work, a holiday party with eggnog and desserts, or a family dinner with enough food to feed a third world country, decide ahead of time what you’ll say and do in each situation.
If someone asks you whether you want a drink or a certain food, plan out your polite, concise response, and plan to change the subject after you answer.
Also plan out how you’ll handle your eating (if you eat anything).
Will you eat before you go so you’re not ravenous? Will you find out ahead of time what’s available, and eat Code Red-approved options there or simply bring your own food?
When you have a plan to follow, less willpower is required, because you already know what you’re going to do. You’ve minimized that fear of the unknown most people have.
Make a plan, and stick to it.
Eat until you’re full, NOT until you’re stuffed.
DO NOT pig out just because it’s a holiday meal!
Listen to your body, and stop freaking eating when you’re freaking full. It’s not rocket science!
Definitely stick to Code Red-approved foods, and if even Code Red-approved desserts trigger you, avoid them. “Just one bite” is never just one bite. Battling the urge to binge on sweets is NOT worth it.
Find an ally, and keep them close, even if it has to be virtually.
An in-person ally is ideal. That can be someone who’s also a Rebel, or who isn’t, but respects and supports your lifestyle changes.
Speak to this person about your determination to stay Code Red, and see if they’ll help hold you accountable.
It doesn’t need to be in a way that embarrasses you or ends up causing non-supportive people to hassle you, but even one in-person ally can make a WORLD of difference in your motivation.
If you’re the only Rebel in your circle of family and friends, and not one single other person is supportive, then find a virtual Rebel accountability buddy and stay in touch with them.
It can be one of my Code Red coaching Facebook groups, or a Rebel you’ve hit it off with online but haven’t met.
Heck, it can even be someone you do know in person, but who’s celebrating elsewhere.
Humans are wired for connection, and your will to succeed will be stronger when there’s at least one supportive ally backing you up.
There’s more to the holidays than food! Even if it’s been ALL about the food for you up until now, that’s okay. It doesn’t have to stay that way!
Enjoy a meal if you want, but keep it clean, and don’t pig out just because it’s a “holiday meal.”
You have what it takes to succeed as a Rebel this holiday season. I know you can do it!