Indulging without Regret: 10 tips for having your summer holiday cake and eating it too!

For the things you want to avoid (that don’t make your feel your best and aren’t worth choosing as a premeditated indulgence), find substitutes that are still happy and have them on hand all the time!

Don’t zone out from family fun, when you’re gathering with people make a dish that’s healthy and add it to the table, something you will enjoy but everyone can join in on!  If you’re joining others for a meal, suggest you bring a dish to add then bring a great seasonal side or dessert that’s delicious and clean for everyone to enjoy with you!

…then do it with freedom and joy! Know what you’re aiming for.  You need to indulge, but just make it a conscious choice! Think about how you want to feel post vacation, think about the plane ride home, or the first gum trip after… then work out what a real true indulgence is and what’s just not worth the moment of fun.  Portion off what you’ve decided to eat and put it on a plate and enjoy every. single. mouthful!

And hydrate well.  For me, this is the thing that helps stop the unneeded sugar cravings.  That makes it easier to truly choose my treats without succumbing to a craving moment. Green juice is another thing that helps people get over the cravings too.

Take a moment and workout out how you want to feel after the vacation/event and reflect on why it’s not worth totally ‘giving up’ on being healthy! What’s your reason? Then write it down!! Put it in your pocket, in your purse or on your phone! It’s way easier to be motivated if you have a great reason and you keep it close!  I don’t actually need to do this anymore, my reasons are ingrained in me and I know my body so well to know what works and what’s worth it but it can really help if you find it hard or are trying to start being more mindful.

Don’t starve yourself and ‘save’ the calories. It never really works.  It’s tempting to plan for a fun dinner out or a party in the evening by skipping lunch or an afternoon snack so you can eat more at the party and still not over do it.  But really, who succeeds when they walk into the dessert laden room on an empty stomach with low blood sugar? Exactly.  Instead, eat small meals often, and eat before the party! Keep yourself steady and your blood sugar stable so that you’re not driven by your body and you retain the power to choose what you want to eat and where you want to say no!

If you’re even trying you’re doing well! Don’t give up on the day because you made one choice you regret. I used to be that person – it was all or nothing, perfect self control or giving in completely.  Instead, learn to forgive yourself and pick up and move on.  A good choice is always a good choice, no matter what happened before it.  Celebrate the good choices you’re making and remind yourself… you are amazing!!