Deep Fried Golden Crispy Prison

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Let's try to keep it real here for a while. We all know that the holidays are upon us. With all of the awesomeness that comes with that, there are also some super big challenges that those of us trying to be health conscious are presented with. At the Grace and Strength Lifestyle, we've decided to address 8 of the biggest challenges in hopes that you'll be better equipped and ready when Aunt Mel's world-famous sweet potatoes are sitting two inches from your fork.

We certainly don't want your diet program to be a casualty of your aunt's sweet potatoes, or the office potluck, or any other tricky little temptation that's going to be thrown your way during the upcoming weeks, so we're helping you make a plan. Without a plan, you're planning to fail, and we're determined to keep that from happening!

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"You don't understand, I had to go with them..."

To kick things off, we're diving right into the deep end by discussing, 'What to do when you're trapped at a fast food restaurant during the holidays.' Why? Because we really do understand.

Here's an all to familiar scenario. Your family is in town for the week. You only see them once a year, and while they're here it's Go - Go - Go the entire time. You pack a lunch the first two days that you're out, and manage to persuade the 'bad-food-eaters' who make up the rest of your cute little group to dine somewhere with healthy options for supper the first couple of evenings, but it's day three now and they're having no more of your lettuce wrapped misery. You're at the mall, and they're all going to the cheesecake factory... (or McJunk Food, Or the Belly King, or whatever deep-fried golden crispy prison they choose) and they're going with or without you.

You Always Have a Choice

Before we continue, we really need to say that you always have a choice when it comes to wrecking your diet and filling your tummy with foods that you're regret the next day. The Grace and Strength Lifestyle weight loss program is an extremely disciplined lifestyle, and we've had many clients who have sailed through the holidays without ever putting even a single bite of junk food into their mouths. They've always brought their own food, or they've simply enjoyed an iced water or unsweetened tea while dining with family and friends.

So let's not make excuses, it is possible. However, let's just say, hypothetically, that you haven't eaten for 8 hours, and you're there with family who are only in town for just one day. They want to eat at the Cheesecake factory and you value their company enough to venture into that calorie jungle for an hour simply to be with them. Kind of like Jesus hanging out in the 'wrong side of town' just to connect with the 'sinners' and 'tax collectors'. (not implying that your family or friends are sinners and tax collectors)

3 Tips for Making Better Choices When You're Stuck with Bad Options

Here are three tips to help get you through the meal without derailing your weight loss plan to the point that you give up and order the jumbo slice of red velvet deluxe cheesecake.  (hypothetically of course...)

1. Ask for Nutrition Information
   It's really tough to know what's in food just by looking at the picture and title. Even fast food restaurants can give you the nutrition info on nearly every item in the menu. Every diet program is different, but you should still be able to avoid the sugars, fats, and many of the processed ingredients simply by taking the time to look at the health info.
    
2. Portion Control is Paramount
   Restaurant menus aren't planned with portion control in mind. The goal isn't for Little Miss Size '0' to leave the booth merely pleasantly satisfied. No way! They're designed to indulge the deepest hunger cravings of even the most robust of eaters. A good rule of thumb is to cut your HEALTHY CHOICE meal right down the center if you're trying to lose weight, and maybe just a little less if you're trying to maintain.
    
3. Negotiate Like A Boss
   No one wants to be the odd person out who makes everyone do the things and go the places that they don't want to go and do. You're health is important to you though, so fight for it... strategically... and politely... like a BOSS. Make a deal with the family that you'll go with them tonight, but in return, they have to promise that tomorrow you choose the location. It doesn't have to be win or lose, there are win / win options if you're willing to hunt them down in advance.

Here's to Keeping Your Holidays Happy and Healthy

At the end of the day, just remember your 'why' and balance your choices accordingly. If your why is so that you can be around to enjoy life with your family, it doesn't make much sense to avoid spending time with them in the process of reaching your goal. So enjoy your holidays, be thankful for the remarkable people who God has placed in your life, and always be intentional about your food choices. Even if you do find yourself trapped at a fast food restaurant.

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Tell us what you do to balance your health and the time spent with family and friends during the holidays

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* Individual results may vary.