Can you resist the urge for the delicious spread that comes with Thanksgiving and Winer Holidays? But once November hits, we feel the Holiday pounds ready to pounce. Maybe it is the leftover Halloween candy, the coziness of fall fixings, or that we know the meals of Thanksgiving and the Winter Holidays are just around the corner. If you can free your brain chemistry from its’ dependence on refined sugars and processed carbs, it is possible to look at a delicious Thanksgiving table without wanting to eat all of it. As for the secret, it is not so much self-control, but learning how to help your body work better.
Blood sugar, brain chemistry, and hormones all influence our abilities to make good or bad food choices – but once you understand that these physiological factors are responsible, you have the power to stay on track with your goals. Ever notice how your self-control is great at 8 AM in the morning, but weak at 8 PM at night? …that is completely normal. Like any muscle, your resolve wears out over the course of the day. And, studies have shown that if you exercise self-control over too many areas of your life at once, you’ll lose it faster. For the holidays this year, we suggest not trying to be ‘too good’, but try being ‘better.’ Here are some ways to help you do that:
Boost Your Will-Power Before Thanksgiving
- Do a mini-cleanse: Either, do a three-day juice cleanse or, avoid all starches, alcohol, and processed foods. The goal is to clean out your system of unhealthy fuels that spike the desire to eat unhealthy foods. Stick with vegetables, nuts, and legumes for at least three days and you’ll feel better and be able to say no to seconds on that piece of pie.
- Keep your blood sugar steady with small meals and protein-rich snacks (we suggest nutrition-packed superfoods, such as walnuts, cashews, almonds, and pistachios). Even a small dip in blood sugar can tip you over into losing control.
- Start off on the right foot each day by exercising first thing in the morning, followed by a “clean” breakfast (egg white omelet with spinach is one of my favorites). By lunchtime, you’ll probably want to keep the positive momentum going with a great salad.
The holidays do not have to be a time where you give up on your health goals. Nor, does it mean that you cannot enjoy a feast with friends and family either. You can have both by making some smarter and healthier choices leading into the holiday season.