A Guide to Holiday Festivities

     You did it. Most of the year is behind you and only one more thing stands in the way of completing the year, the holiday season. While many view this time as a collection of joyous get-togethers and celebration, others view it as nothing more than the bane of all the progress and discipline they accumulated over the prior 46 weeks of the year.
     This really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The last six weeks of the year are often a gauntlet of office parties, cookie decorating, extensive travel, shopping excursions, and celebratory get-togethers. Without a plan, these events can really stack up and wreak havoc.
     Check these tips to keep the holidays happy without sacrificing the essence of the season.
Focus on Protein.
There are two main benefits to focusing on protein this holiday season. First, it is going to help maintain all the lean mass you worked so hard to cultivate over the past months. It is often hard to be as active in the final stretch of the year and protein is going to help keep that muscle stimulated for good lean mass retention. Second, protein is considered to be the most satiating macronutrient. By piling protein on your plate, you are going to feel full sooner and stay that way. This will help you keep from overeating on all those sweet desserts. Bonus tip: Take this one step further and pregame each party with a protein shake with somewhere between 20 to 40 grams of protein to get a head start on the evening.
Watch the Drinks.
Calories are hidden everywhere throughout the holidays. It seems like you can’t even breathe without consuming at least one. Drinks can be some of the biggest culprits. When you are not celebrating, lean into the zero-calorie drinks and water. When you are celebrating, be aware of punches and mixers. More often than not, they are nothing more than sugar mixed with more sugar. Make sure to alternate between your beverage of choice and a zero-calorie drink like sparkling water. This will help keep full and hydrated without the extra calories.
Slow Down Your Eating.
The holidays are the pinnacle of tasty treats. Slow down and enjoy them. Some suggest even going as far as setting your utensils down after every bite and don’t pick them back up until after you swallow. Others say that chewing each bite a total of five to 10 times before swallowing and reaching for the next bite is the secret.  While those might be extreme, they are definitely going to make sure that you take time with your meals. One more suggestion is taking a drink of water in between each bite. You get the point. No matter your method, find a way to slow down and enjoy each bite. Savoring your meal is going to give your body time to recognize that you are getting full and help you not want to overindulge in extra helpings because you think you are still hungry.
Eat Smaller Portions.
Sometimes, after looking over the spread or watching plate after plate of grandma’s deliciousness pass by, temptation weighs too heavy and you break. We have all been there and there is no shame in it. When temptation gets to be too much, there is still a way to survive: portion control. There are two easy tricks here. First, as you load up your plate, make sure that you can still see the plate and not just some little space in the corner. The goal is to see a defined separation between your food. More often than not, we tend to pile up serving after serving of delectables. If you make a conscious effort to actually see the plate that you are eating on, you are going to be helping stave off extra calories. Second is the oldy but goody: no seconds. Commit to what you are going to eat and only eat what you have brought to your seat the first time. I know that pie was good. But you had your taste and you are done. 
Location, Location, Location.
This might sound strange, but where you find yourself during the celebration can play a strategic role in your calorie consumption. Try to stay out of the kitchen and away from the food table. When food is nearby, food is going to be on your mind. And when food is on your mind, you are going to get hungry, even when you’re full. Bonus points if you can keep your hands occupied in your strategic location. By holding a drink and a napkin, you are going to make it even harder to move food towards your mouth. 
Stay Active.
You are already an active person. You have your regiment. So, stick to it. Between the franchise, CrossFit, and privately owned gyms, there are multiple ways to get in a quick lift. Many of them simply just require a drop-in fee and you are ready to go. If the gym is too far out of the way, there are multiple streaming apps that will give you a myriad of workout options. Whatever your choice, keep moving! Bonus point if you can plan your activity around your social gatherings (especially ones that revolve around food and drinks). Even a short five-minute walk after your feast is going to pay dividends.
Take Time to Yourself.
The holidays are stressful. Running from one party to the next, extensive travel, and trying to visit as many people as possible really can crank up the stress. This gets amplified if you are not able to stick to the routine that you have worked so hard to build. That stress is going to take a toll on your body and your mind if you do not take control of it. And sooner or later it is going to come out for people to see. There is nothing wrong with taking a beat to address the stress of the holidays and re-center yourself. Trust me, people are going to appreciate the calmer, collected you much more than the “I’m barely keeping it together” you. 
Enjoy Your Time.
Remember, the holidays are a time to celebrate the year with friends and family. They are to be filled with laughter and love. Don’t let worrying about every little macro and micro that you put into your body ruin that. You are a hard worker, you already have a strong base of discipline. Cherish these days and know that your hard work and discipline are going to get you back to where you want to be even if you do take a small step out of line.