Written by: Lisa Marotta, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Trying to stay on track with nutrition during the holiday season is one of the most challenging obstacles many face. We tend to get easily caught up in the hustle and bustle that this time of year brings. It can be extremely difficult between the nonstop holiday shopping, many company’s end of year celebrations, ugly sweater party invites, baking cookies, etc. It is common for your nutrition goals to be put on the back burner. This habit is exceptionally normal for December, but it can also be improved with just a few simple steps to follow. We can still enjoy the holiday season while not throwing away our long term commitments in the last month of the year. There is a happy medium to everything in life, including this!
Start following these tricks and maybe you’ll see a difference…
If you have a work holiday party to go to this month, do not save all meals and calories for the party. When doing this, you tend to overeat even when already full. Your body must be fueled throughout the day to keep your digestion and metabolism in check.
If you are at a get together with appetizers or picking foods, always use a mini plate! When a plate is not used, it is common to pick more foods in order to always keep your hands full. A mini plate can also help encourage portion control. All appetizers are still being enjoyed while staying on track.
If you are at a holiday dinner, treat that night like any other night. Build your plate correctly! Do not forget your greens, healthy fats, protein, and of course, carbs.
If you are out shopping all day and do not have time to stop for a meal, bring “to go” snacks! For example: protein shake, protein bar, some sealed up crackers, turkey jerky, almonds, etc. This can help keep your metabolism going throughout the day so you are not waiting until the evening to feed your body!
If you are a fan of home-baked cookies, switch up the recipes! There are so many creative and fun recipes for protein cookies, brownies, & cupcakes. You are still enjoying your holiday traditions, the sweets cravings, and the memories while staying on track and getting in a good amount of protein.
While following these tips and tricks, always please remember, this month doesn’t have to be set up as your “cheat month” or “setback season”. If you go in with that mentality, 99% of the time you will come out with matching results. Mindset is everything. You can absolutely still enjoy your family & friends, your traditions, your parties, while keeping your hard work and goals as a top priority. You are always in control. Even if some days are busier or harder than others, at the end of the day, you decide what the outcome will be.
Lisa Marotta, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lisa Marotta is a certified Nutritionist and established owner of Lifestyle with Lisa. In 2017, Marotta decided to transform her lifestyle for the better, both physically and mentally, and it was the best decision she has ever made. She chose to create Lifestyle with Lisa, an all-inclusive and dynamic nutrition-coaching service, to help those who are facing the challenges she did just a few years ago. As a nutrition coach, she customizes her programs to meet all of her client's individual needs. From meal planning and fitness routines to maintaining a positive mindset when faced with life’s challenges, Lisa builds custom strategies to help her clients not only reach their goals and desires, but to maintain them. Often times, people may feel as though they do not have the right tools or motivation to make the changes necessary to live a happy and healthy lifestyle. Her goal is to help those see that their goals are achievable and that support can be found both internally within them self as well as externally with the right tools.
