I know the holidays can be a really difficult time to stay on track with your health goals. Between all the parties, the drinking, catching up with friends…it can all escalate quickly. There are certainly things though we can do to prepare for and make the best decisions on these days.
The first decision is to know what is worth it to you on that specific day in the moment. Make an active choice and decision to consume everything you put into your body, nothing should just be consumed haphazardly. There are so many happy memories and feelings associated with this time of year and the specifically the food served this time of year. However, eating something that might not make you feel your best and set you back on your health goals, might not be worth it. Or maybe it is, it’s just up to you to decide!
I find the most important thing for success is to come prepared. Come with a non-alcoholic drink to enjoy if that helps you to get closer to your goals. Bring a snack – like these Paleo candied nuts – as a safe option you know you can still enjoy. Even if you do enjoy the other “not so great” options you can at least have SOME healthier options. Set expectations with yourself on what you are and are not going to consume, and stick to it!
Remember, no food or drink truly brings the happiness. It is about enjoying your time with friends and family while empowering your own decisions on what is best for you. And just do your best always, and never feel bad or guilty around any of it.
Ingredients:
4 cups of mixed nuts – I did cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, pecans, filberts. Trader Joes has great nut selections!
3 Tbsp of maple syrup
2 tsp of cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Place nuts, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl and mix together
- Place nuts flat on a sheet pan covered in parchment paper
- Place in preheated oven for 7-8 minutes. Take them out and flip them around and cook for another 7-8 minutes
- Let them completely cool out of the oven for 15 minutes
- Keep in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks!