We’ve all been there. We are on a diet and have been doing fairly well. We are down some pounds and now comes the most heavenly, mouthwatering morsels available to man… the holiday feasts!

How are we to navigate this myriad of good-tasting, waist expanding, blips on our radar? I’m here to tell you, “it’s easy.”  

Have a Plan

When going to eat at your mom’s, in-laws’, friends’ home, or whatever may be the case – must have a battle plan. Yes, I said “Battle Plan”. Face it. We are at war. If we do not battle our bulge, who will? 

It is important to plan when you will arrive with your actions prior to the event. When going on a feeding frenzy at a holiday feast, you must prepare yourself accordingly. When on a diet, drink plenty of water or other suitable beverages that are on your diet before you arrive, and for goodness sake, do not show up starved to death! Do not skip meals in preparation for the feast, or you might as well be laying there like a roasted pig with an apple in your mouth – laying on the table for everyone to see. Get a grip on yourself.

Know What You Can Eat Beforehand, and What You Must Avoid

If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, it is important to know the ins and outs of the diet before you arrive. You can eat non-starchy vegetables, meats, cheeses, and just stay away from the bread, pasta, flour-made gravies, potatoes, carrots, and sugary items. 

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

When dining with friends and family, they should know you are on a special diet when attending functions. Be frank with them that you can eat lots of the tasty items set before you, but also ask if you can bring a couple of dishes that can be shared with others, but are also on your diet. 

Who wouldn’t love to try a keto pumpkin pie, or low-carb chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream – just as an alternative to the pumpkin and pecan pies? Who’s to say that your loaded cauliflower casserole doesn’t pair well with turkey? You don’t have to overdo it, just see if one or two dishes can help. You can also set them aside on the counter in the kitchen if they don’t want to put them on the table where they could stand out in the crowd.

Love Yourself & Your Family

To reiterate, the whole point of your diet is because you want to do what’s right for you and your family. You have to be in good health to be there for them and not be a burden. If you love them, you have to show yourself some love too. It’s tough love that keeps us on our diets, even when our eyes get bigger than our stomachs (and for me those are some really big eyes!). A bit of preplanning and a little small talk beforehand with your host or hostess can go a long way in keeping you and your healthy diet on track. 

Don’t abandon all that you’ve worked so hard for, just for a quick bit of self-indulgence that won’t last as long on your tongue nearly as long as it does on your hips.

You and I are worth the effort. Be good!… Christmas is just around the corner too!