Keep Calm & Carry On Your Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays

By Toni Carey (@toni_carey/@blackgirlsrun)

Disclosure: I'm a sponsored Meta Influencer, but all opinions are my own. Please see below for additional disclosure.

Fall and winter are MY season. Although, I’m generally not a fan of cold weather, I love the cool crisp air while running, the coziness of coats, and of course, it’s cuffing season. Yes, married people cuff...with each other. But, maybe what I love MOST about fall and winter are warm, hearty meals and all of the opportunities to gather around food, I mean friends and family.

But as the saying goes, “summer bodies are made in the winter,” and I’m more focused than ever to stay on track with my fitness goals. As I’ve shared before, my gut health has become more important than ever, so I’m already thinking of a game plan to do things a little differently these next few months, and most importantly ensure that I stay away from all the things that might cause more harm to my belly so that I can feel my best.

Thinkin’ of a Master Plan

I am NOT a planner when it comes to eating, but it truly is the key to success. It may seem premature, but I’m already thinking about how to navigate Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and all of the holiday parties in between. Do I bat my doe-like eyes and ask my mom to add a few additional items to her Christmas menu, or do I bring my own dishes to the in-laws’ Thanksgiving shindig? How do I best stay on track and avoid belly aches, constipation and bloating? Forget whether or not Santa brings me what’s on my list! These are the things I am really contemplating. 

Eat Before You Go…..

For holiday dinners and parties, it’s rare that you have much control over the menu. I mean you could ask the host to adjust the entire menu according to your dietary preferences, but if you want friends, I would suggest you not. When I’m not really sure of my food options, I eat before I go. One, it minimizes the possibility of me getting hangry, and let me assure you, that is NOT pretty. Secondly, I don’t feel pressured to eat if nothing works for my diet.  It may seem a little “womp, womp,” but it’s better than making the guests suffer through the consequences of a sour belly. And, while it may seem like you’re a being a party pooper when you politely decline to chow down with everyone else, remember this is between you, your goals, and your belly.

…. and take advantage of Meta Appetite Control

Okay, so you’re at the party, and the menu isn’t so bad. You start to nibble, and nibble….and nibble. But, we all know how easily these parties go south. You’re chatting, you’re happy, you’re eating and by the time you’ve made it out of the door, you really wish someone would just roll you back to your home. Let me introduce you to a secret weapon, Meta Appetite Control. Meta Appetite Control is a fiber supplement from the makers of Metamucil. It contains 100% natural psyllium; is clinically proven to help you feel less hungry between meals;* and helps you “break up” with snacking cravings*. How you say? The Meta psyllium fiber thickens and forms a gel in your digestive system, slowing absorption and digestion, which aids in the sensation of fullness.   What I LOVE about Meta Appetite Control, is that it makes you feel less hungry between meals. So, if you’d prefer to just keep your appetite at bay before you’re faced with all of the yummy temptations, add Meta Appetite Control to your game plan . (I’m a fan of the unflavored version to quickly add to my juices or smoothies.)

Say No to the Al-Al-Al-Al-Alcohol

It’s like turning 30 also meant that I would become a wanna-be wine connoisseur, and a little wine never hurt anyone. But, besides running the risk of dancing to “Christmas in Hollis”  on top of tables at your company holiday party, wine (and alcohol in general) is just a bunch of empty calories that can also play with your gut health.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Hype

One of the hardest things to do is to not get caught up in the hype of the holidays. You know, the nostalgia that makes you want to eat everything! There’s nothing like going home to my mom’s house and getting all the feels and subsequently saying “What the heck! Who cares if I can’t poop for days!!” But, not this year. It’s literally just another day and I’ll treat it as such. Sure I’ll indulge a bit, but only on the things that won’t cause collateral damage (if you know what I mean).

Keep Your Pooping In Check

Some people say that you should poop after every meal. For me, I’m doing great if I go once a day. The point is, while everyone poops, everyone’s frequency is different. Now granted, there’s a WHOLE LOT of things that factor into regular meetings with the porcelain throne, but when you’re indulging here and there, it’s easy to get off track. When you need an extra little push, try Metamucil. The main ingredient in Metamucil is psyllium fiber, a natural fiber that works with your body to restore regularity.*

What do you think is the biggest challenge to staying healthy during the holidays? Comment below or tweet me at @toni_carey or @blackgirlsrun.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

I'm a sponsored Meta Influencer, but all opinions are my own. Meta partnered with bloggers, such as me, to get the word out about its great product benefits. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. Meta believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Meta’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

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