Easter is around the corner, and if you are on a plan (like the 5 and 1 with Take Shape for Life), you may be feeling the dread of being "different" and eating "different" food or you may be lamenting the fact that you will not be able to indulge the way you "used to." I would challenge you to think of the things you have gained (or are on the road to gaining). When I'm 100 (Lord willing!), am I going to look back fondly on the coconut creme pie of years past or am I going to remember my children's faces when they found their baskets or went on an Easter egg hunt? FOCUS on the memories you are making, the people you are sharing your time with, and the good things to come because of the good choices you are going to make. If you are in a new smaller size, treat yourself to a new smaller sized dress to be wearing as a reminder of the goals you have accomplished and want to continue striving for or maintain. Also, remember the guilt and bloated feeling you got after you over indulged…or the low after the sugar high? I don't know about you, but I don't miss post holiday regret after stuffing my face at a holiday meal. I do enjoy the feeling of staying on plan and centering my life around family and friends rather than food. Let the Easter meal be a VICTORY meal for you. You can do it!!
Some practical tips:
If you are preparing the meal, be sure to have healthy options for yourself.
If you are not preparing the meal, find out what will be served. If you cannot, bring a great salad as a gift to the host/hostess so you can have that if nothing is on plan.
Do not stay at the table after you have eaten, especially if there are lots of non-plan items just lying about.
Drink lots and lots of water. Bring a water bottle if you can so you can keep refilling.
Try to fit in a walk after the event.
Keep a picture of your goals as your screensaver on your phone you can glance at if tempted.
If you are doing the Take Shape for Life plan, stay close to your coach. That is what we are there for!!
*If you do not have a coach and would like one, contact me. See links to the left for contact info.
