Staying Fit Through the Holiday: Tips to Navigating Easter Dinner
Many women often ask me, “Renee, what do I eat during the holidays?”
Sister let me ease your nerves, I promise one day won’t make you completely fall off track! Sure, you may be a little more bloated the next morning, but that’s the beauty of a healthy sustainable lifestyle. Enjoying holidays… GUILT FREE!
That’s why I’m sharing a few simple and practical tips for you to implement THIS YEAR!
1.Focus on hitting your protein goals
Keep protein your priority! While you don’t need to stress about hitting your macros perfectly, just focus on hitting your protein goals. Protein is key for body composition change, so if you’re going to focus on one macro over Easter dinner, go for protein! It’s often much easier to load up on carbs/fats… Especially over the holidays! Hello mashed potatoes, casseroles, etc. During Easter dinner, look for the sources of protein like ham, turkey or chicken. There may even be good sources of protein for appetizers like deviled eggs!
TIP: Chocolate eggs aren’t the only eggs you could eat on Easter! ;) Break your fast in the morning with some scrambled eggs and turkey sausage for a boost of protein! That is a great way to boost your protein intake first thing in the morning. Plus, protein helps keep you more satiated. Enjoying protein during your break fast meal will help you not feel the need to snack all day before Easter dinner.
2. Choose your “worth it” foods
Let’s keep it real. A packed/processed dinner roll from the grocery store may not be considered a “worth it” food. But your grandma’s homemade fluffy yeast rolls she only makes twice a year? WORTH IT! Don’t be afraid to enjoy those worth it foods this year on Easter. Why? Because you don’t get them everyday! Don’t feel obligated to get a little of everything at dinner. Choose the foods you truly love and are looking forward to enjoying. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to go for it!
What’s one of my “worth it” foods? My daughter’s pound cake! I know she will be making a delicious homemade pound cake this year with strawberries and fresh whipped cream. I will choose that over something like a store bought cupcake. See what I mean?
3. Don’t forget to hydrate
Keep hydration top on your priority list! Keep your water bottled filled all day and start drinking up first thing in the morning! Enjoy a big glass of water before your morning coffee, then be intentional about hydration. Just like protein intake, hydration is something you need to be intentional about. Instead of grabbing a soda with dinner, grab some water with lemon or a sparkling water. If you like to enjoy wine, enjoy a glass but still be sure to hydrate!
4. ENJOY and don’t deprive!
At the end of the day, the holidays only come a few times a year. And Easter only once a year! Don’t spend your day dreading what you’re eating, depriving yourself, or stressing out. Enjoy this time with your family and enjoy those special dishes! We always like to say “memories over macros”.. and I want you to remember that! Don’t give your holiday over to stress, guilt and shame surrounding the food you ate. Take this time to enjoy.
5. Finish the day with a walk outside
After enjoying your dinner, head outside to finish the day moving that body! You’ll feel better because of it! I love ending Easter with a walk. I even love to invite my family to come along. Sometimes my sister in law and I will sneak away for 20-30 minutes for a quick walk outside to get our bodies moving, some fresh air and vitamin D. My pro tip for movement on Easter? You could also be the one to hide the Easter eggs outside to get in some extra movement for the day! ;)
I hope you find these tips helpful and if anything, bring you a sigh of relief! You DON’T have to be perfect my friend. Take a deep breath, enjoy memories with your family, and move on.
The day after? Let’s talk about it!
My tips for the day after a holiday
Now, you may wake up feeling a little extra bloated and maybe even more sluggish. That’s ok! Our bodies respond differently to foods especially while on a health journey! For example, if I eat too much sugar, I will wake up the next morning with bags under my eyes. Crazy, right? Everyone’s body will respond differently. I work with women who, after living a mostly gluten/dairy free lifestyle, will wake up feeling more bloated than usual. Here’s what to do the day after:
First and foremost, don’t fret! You’re going to be just fine.
Water, water, and more water! Water helps flush and reset our systems, remove excess toxins from the body and boost metabolism.
Stick to your intermittent fasting window. IF is a great way to give your body a “digestive rest.” Not only is it great for fat loss, but also cellular repair! My clients fast anywhere from 12-16 hours.
Do your workout. 30 minutes max is all you need. Commit to your workout, even if you feel a little sluggish! Pssst! I didn’t say do three 1-hour workouts to “cancel out” what you ate! None of that!
Plenty of whole food nutrition- stick to whole foods and stay away from processed foods. Notice how I said plenty? Do NOT feel like you need to deprive yourself or punish yourself from the day before. No no no! Your body needs fuel, not punishment. You will feel so good fueling it with the food God created for you to enjoy!
MORE micronutrients from leafy greens, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables. This is a great time to sneak in more fresh produce! This will help energize your body and help you reset. A great way to do this? Try a superfood smoothie or a recipe like my Kale Smoothie Bowl!
Sound good?! You CAN do this!
Need any tips or support? Feel free to reach out to me here. I’m always happy to help.
Cheering you on,
Renee