P.R.E.T.T.Y. FIT for LIFE
Resisting temptation during the holidays
I need help with staying on track with healthy eating. Twice a year (Thanksgiving holidays and Easter), I have difficulty remaining true to my healthy lifestyle. In the past, I’ve always given in to these temptations for a moment of pleasure, then hated myself for worshiping my food gods—the Patti Labelle sweet potato pie and the Cadbury mini eggs—hmmm, they are so good.
The famous Patti Labelle pie surfaces every Thanksgiving. I rush over to the bakery in Wal-Mart to get a glimpse of the packaging because it makes me happy. After inhaling deeply, I put it back on the dessert display and walk away, only to return in an hour or so to put it in my shopping cart. The pie calls out to me, and I answer every time. As a nutritionist, I would be proud to say that resisting the call of Patti pie is easy, but the truth is, it is not easy, at least not for me.
On the other hand, resisting is doable with a backup plan. My strategy for resisting the pie and all other holiday food temptations that lurk in the aisles is the Wal-Mart app, which allows me to shop for the things I need and avoid the things that are not aligned with my healthy lifestyle. The visuals on the app are less appealing than the real-life displays.
Another surprising way to resist the urge to indulge is to indulge. Yes, if you have a strong desire to enjoy your favorite holiday treat, do it, but don’t overdo it. Order a kid size. Slice the pie or cake a bit thinner. Use the palm of your hand to determine your portion size rather than fill your plate based on your sight and gut cues. So, I will delight myself with a slice of Patti’s delicious sweet potato pie and enjoy every bite. I will admit that I can’t be trusted to purchase the pie because I may end up eating the whole thing—it’s just that good. Instead, I will enjoy a slice with friends and family and enhance my workout to balance those extra calories.
As a person who deals with rapid weight gain, I’ve learned that my human nature will always rise, and for this reason alone, I must have a backup plan to stay on track. It does not matter how strong you are; you will face temptation, but you can come out on top as long as you have a plan in place and never lose sight of your goals.
Ronni Walker is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in mass communication. She is committed to helping people transition to and maintain healthy lifestyles through the P.RE.T.T.Y. Girl Fitness project. You may contact by sending an email to coach@PGF.life.