Friend of Julie: Swim Through the Holidays

Swim through this holiday season by staying in the river (on program)! Celebrate the joy of welcoming in 2015 feeling good about where you are on your weight loss journey. Don't give in to holiday treats this year--the real treat is reaching and maintaining your goal size.

Photo by Theresa

Stay strong in your resolve to stick to the basics of this program (eating clean). All the information you need to reach your goal size is within you...

Can I have...
When in doubt - leave it out. There are no gray areas - you are either on key or you're off.

Cheese, oh the cheese!
Cheese is a condiment - break up with cheese if it's problematic for you. Cheese is trouble for many of us, because we think "well, at least it's not sugar!" The problem is that too much cheese stops our weight loss. When I broke up with cheese, my weight started to drop again. See a trays of cold cuts at a party? Have some, but pass on the cheese.

Fatty Foods
Be aware of your daily fat intake. Yes, we're allowed chicken wings (without breading), but be mindful of how often you have them. The same applies to bacon.

Bite for Bite Meat and Protein
Stop eating more veggies than meat. If you go back for more food, because you're still hungry or because it tastes so darn good, keep your meat to veggie ratio in balance.

Hungry?
An increase in appetite is best met with lots of meat, organic if you can. It may be a sign that you're eating too many veggies. I've had hunger last for nearly a week before it went away. The hunger will pass if you just stay the course.

Craving Sweets? 
Avoid sweet veggies. Protein and green veggies calm down those sweet cravings. Push back on the cravings ("I want to not want this") and they will subside. Give in and your cravings will only get stronger.

Bored with Food?
It's time to change up your menus. Start by making your meals tastier than ever. Look for recipes ideas on Julie's website or this blog.

Swim through the holidays and when New Years Day rolls in you won't need to join the millions who start a diet only to give up a few days or weeks later. 

You can do this. You are doing this!