I Don't Want to Gain During the Holidays!

How Do I Survive the Holidays? 

Statistics show that the average person gains 8 pounds during the holidays.  If you are on the Ideal Protein Maintenance program, here are some tips to remember and practice!  (Only for phase 4 dieters!)

• In general, you should make sure that you get protein at every meal.
• Eat a big breakfast that includes carbs.  Having eggs, bacon, a piece of toast and some fruit is fine.
• Keep your carbs to a minimum during the middle of the day.  Have a lean protein and lot's of veggies and salad for lunch. 
• Have fruit or hard cheeses for a snack between lunch and dinner.  (Nuts are okay, but one serving is about 6 nuts.  Almonds would be the best choice.)
• Eat a well balanced dinner that is rather light.  A protein, veggies and/or a salad and a starch are fine.  Keep your portions under control!
• No dessert except on your fun day.
• Be careful of high sugar and/or fat drinks like juices, sodas and "Creme Brule Lattes".  These drinks just add serious sugar that spikes your insulin.
• Enjoy your salads!  Make sure they have plenty of protein, including cheeses and non-sugared nuts.  Go light on the dressing, but enjoy!
• Search for low carb recipes on the Internet like the one to the left. There are some really good recipes that include cheeses and vegetables.  You may have to purchase things like coconut flour, but you'll be introduced to some really delicious foods that keep your insulin low.
• Enjoy your Fun Day!  Perhaps you'll have to save your Fun Day for a holiday party. 
• Remember to restrict your carbs the day after the Fun Day.
• Remember that if you eat something that will spike your insulin, you might exercise away the calories, but you will still have an insulin spike for up to 3 days.  Insulin stores fat.
• Weigh yourself everyday during this period.  If the scale is indicating too much fun, cut back on the carbs for the next 2-3 days.
• Drink plenty of water.  If you start feeling like you want something you shouldn't have, grab some water.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum.  Not only is it a sugar, but it weakens your liver to do things like metabolize your food!
• Get plenty of exercise!  Walk, jog, run.  Go to the gym, swim.  Play outside with the kids.  Get moving every day!   
• Come in to Figure Savers and get your BCA.  Checking your body fat percentage is important for you to see if you've been doing a sufficient job of keeping your carbs low. 
• Use the Ideal Protein Meal Replacement for your breakfast or lunch once or twice a week.  This helps to keep your carbs and calories down and has all the vitamins and minerals you need in a meal.

   

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