One holiday season as I approached my final holiday celebration, Christmas, I felt positive about it.
I had many months of being faithful to my food plan, losing 35+ lbs., powering through Halloween and Thanksgiving.
All with unfailing commitment and determination to not go off plan.
Then one of my favorite sugar dishes started calling to me. I was going on a short vacation and there would be plenty of my favorite food.
An abundance of it - free in all you can eat servings. So many different versions of it, and as much as my gluttonous heart could want.
Looking back I realized I had started rationalizing all the reasons why I should indulge.
I had been so disciplined, one night of splurging wouldn't hurt, I could bounce back easily. First I thought of having just one bite.
Then I expanded that to one serving, eventually deciding one night wouldn’t hurt.
After that "one bite", it wasn't until 63 + days later and after re-gaining 25 lbs. that I finally got back on track.
Was that one night worth it? Nope.
But the siren call of sugar and carbs is so. damn. hard.
Today it's mid-October and the season of indulgence and temptation is approaching.
Everywhere social media, friends and family will encourage us to live it up, just let go this once. We've been so good, it’s just one little bite.
Then January 1st will come, the shame of consuming too much will overwhelm our hearts and the vicious yo-yo cycle will begin again.
How to Prevent that One Bite
For me, sanity is not a rigid line of denial. Life is too short and candidly, that “white knuckle” grip of discipline only lasts so long.
Today I have my "safety nets".
Craving chocolate? I have a couple of low-carb dessert recipes that I love and take less than 10 minutes to make.
Craving salty and crunchy - yep, have that covered as well.
The key here is intention and planning.
Thinking ahead of the holidays and times that might be stressful or tempting, I have planned what I will eat if I’m having certain cravings.
I know how to make these recipes easily, always having ingredients stocked in the kitchen.
When I’m tempted, I reassure myself that I’m not saying no, but instead “not now.”
I’m not denying myself, but instead delaying. Then I enjoy the heck out of that safe substitute.
Yes, I could be rigid and “just say no” without a back-up treat. Yet we know how well that worked for the war on drugs. It didn't.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, what are your go-to treats that will soothe your cravings and keep you on your food plan?
Plan ahead now so that when January 1st comes, you’re not detoxing your body but instead celebrating a season of positive choices with delicious options.
Hugs,
Jami
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