Is there anything worse than being on a diet during the holidays? How about being on a diet period? Even if you’re not on a specific weight reduction/maintenance program, but are just practicing healthy eating habits (like my high-fiber diet), holidays, especially family gatherings around the dinner table, can be a challenge.
I have a simple solution for all your holiday eating angst:
CUT YOURSELF A BREAK!
What does that really mean, huh, Mike?
Simply: enjoy yourself, don’t hold back. Eat.
Really?
Yup.
How much?
As much as you like, within reason.
Wow, cool, fair enough. One more question?
Shoot.
Why? How? Huh?
That was more than one question, but here goes:
The holiday eating season should be treated no differently than cutting yourself some slack on weekends or at a wedding reception or any number of other special occasions that life tosses your way. I am very strict when it comes to healthy eating and proper diet, but I cut myself a break all the time. In fact, I don’t even like using the word “diet” when it is referred to in the “I’m on a diet” sense. A “diet” is what you eat daily. Your daily “diet” should already be a healthy one, and if it’s not then what does it matter what you eat, or how much you eat, during the holidays?
Huh?
Here’s the thing: if you have been successfully eating the right foods and the right amounts, have been maintaining your goal weight or at least have been able to make healthy strides toward those goals, then you already KNOW what it takes to live a healthy life: eat the right foods and the right amounts, exercise, and enjoy each day.
CUT YOURSELF A BREAK!
My point is, if you “cheat” a little during this upcoming holiday season, maybe gain a few unwanted pounds, it’s not the end of the world. You already know how to lose those pounds. And if you are currently practicing healthy dietary choices, like those suggested at livelife365.com, then you already understand what you can and cannot eat.
You will probably practice self-control without even being conscious of it. And if you don’t and decide to grab that second slice of pie or opt for seconds on the turkey and gravy, don’t fret:
CUT YOURSELF A BREAK!
And enjoy these special occasions with family, friends, food, and fun.
Life is short.
Life is, at times, challenging.
But life is also a celebration of living. Part of living is breaking bread with family and friends.
Cut yourself a break this holiday season…and pass the mashed potatoes…and bean casserole…and candied yams…and pumpkin pie…and…
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Two more videos to enjoy during this holiday season:
On Being a Vegetarian During the Holidays
Mike‘s 30 Second Doritos Ad, and some Funny Outtakes
Until next time…
peace,
Mike
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Cut Yourself A Break This Holiday Season
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30 comments:
I plan on enjoying all the food I'm cooking for the entire family. It's back on my healthy eating regimen Friday morning. Excellent advice. Have a great Thanksgiving. :)
Well I don't know Mike. That's pretty hard advice to follow.
However, I think I'm up to it and willing to do you proud!
Thanks.
It'll be a challenge, Mike, but I'll see what I can do! What to start with...the roasted red pepper hummus or the spinach artichoke dip? :)
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Life is too shotr,eat dessert first,aka have a good thanksgiving every one!
Happy Holidays and Happy Eating!! =)
Thanks for reassuring me that it's okay to eat. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
happy thanksgiving and take care.
I agree one needs to let go occassionaly, and if it means sharing and enjoying why not!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Life it too short is the pinpoint quote on this particular blog. After all who is it that imposes this fashion to diet anyway, not the individual. What the hell, party on!
ps
Hope the shoulder is coming on well.
I love this philosophy and will probably indulge myself tomorrow. We are vegetarians and I make the Tofurkey but even better the Quorn meatless turkey breast which is amazing. Happy Thanksgiving and I will think of you when reaching for my 2nd piece of pie and know it is okay.
Amen!
That is very good advice, Mike. We hope Mom cuts US a break and lets us have a bite of Turkey and Ham! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! -Gandalf, Grayson and Mom Barb (WillThink4Wine)
Thanks for the guilt-free advice and I hope you are totally healed soon! Happy Thanksgiving.
My problem is I'm not such a good eater on non-holidays, which is why I'll be especially careful today. Happy Thanksgiving, Mike!
Have a great Thanksgiving! And I agree everything in moderation :D
Happy Thanksgiving Mike! I hope you have a wonderful time.
Happy thanksgiving Mike! Hope you and your family enjoy a great dinner!
Hi Mike, sometimes, I cheated with my diet and gain a few pounds but I know how to lose those pounds within 3 to 5 days. Btw, you really inspired me your articles especially the eat the right foods and the right amounts.
Keep on writing man.
hi mike! just want to greet you a happy thanksgiving! =)
I hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Well, I really "enjoyed" myself yesterday, maybe a little too much, but it was good while I was doing it. Funny though how rotten you feel the next day with all that sugar and bad stuff you usually don't eat - it reminds you why you don't eat that way every day. Still, who can turn down pie? Glad you're back to writing posts Mike, and hope you continue to mend from your surgery.
Chris
Your so right life is hort.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Life is short.so enjoy it
Hi! I think your blog is awesome and deserves an award! :-) http://passionategreen.blogspot.com/2008/11/lemonade-award.html
Here's my report. I gained one pound on Thanksgiving day. Today that pound is gone and I'm back to my original weight.
Have a terrific day. :)
that's a really cool advice but I don't know if I can follow. But maybe I'll give it a try.
Miguel,
Like you said, I cut myself a break during the holidays. However, I can't stand it when I feel like crap! Whenever I eat all the so called good stuff during Thanksgiving and Christmas, I feel bad and don't feel like doing anything productive. I HATE that.
So here's what I do. I eat my usual fiber cereal for breakfast, including a sliced banana and strawberries. I use orange juice instead of milk. (I know, but it's a long story.)
Then before we eat the holiday meal, I'll drink a lot of filtered water. I also will eat a salad.
Then I eat all of the holiday crap I can stuff into my pie hole, until I am totally full.
Later, I'll take some fiber capsules along with some more water. Then right before bed, I take my Pops, which helps me digest the food as well as minimize the damage to my body from eating bad.
I have found by doing all of this, I can eat until I'm full and I do not feel like crap for the next few days.
Oh, and I exercise it all off too.
" Life is short.
Life is, at times, challenging.
But life is also a celebration of living. Part of living is breaking bread with family and friends."
----- very true, and everyone needs a break :) it actually helps me in staying sane and healthy too :)
Just what i needed to hear as we enter the season of eating. Relax, enjoy, don't over do.
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