Side rant: Will power is nonsense, I have none. It's just that sugar and gluten release domaine in the brain the same way heroine does, and makes us all crazy. No crap, no cravings, it's really that simple.
Yes friends, it's that time of year where you can either starve, bitch and moan, or sparkle and inspire!
Here's a few tips to make your holiday parties relaxed, more fun, and you might even add to your foodie cult following.
1. Look amazing.
Show up glowing and it's hard for anyone to argue with your lifestyle choices. Highlight your glowing skin, use a serum or coconut oil to make healthy hair shine, and wear your biggest smile.
2. Bring awesome food- (no salads unless they are luxurious).
It's a great idea to bring something to the party that you know you will enjoy eating guilt free. But this strategy can go wrong if it appears you can't indulge in anything and you are stuck eating rabbit food. Instead, show up with deviled eggs topped with pico de gallo and bacon, dark chocolate bark with cranberries and macadamia bits, or a great slab of meat. Salads are an excellent choice when they are filled with extras like avocado, eggs, nuts, oils and spices. Don't forget a great bottle of wine. The idea here is to kill all the diet misconceptions and show them that you still are still having a great time with this health kick you're on.
3. Eat!
Your mother/grandma/sister can't say you're too strict when your mouth is full of yums. Playing the whole foods martyr isn't cute and it's the fastest way to be labeled orthorexic. It's one day, even if the food isn't up to your normal standards, find something that won't cause too much damage and enjoy! Remember to compliment the chef as well.
4. Share the journey.
If (and only if) people ask, talk about how much you've learned, what inspired you, and the results you've seen. Don't talk too much or cram your journey down anyone's throats, and NEVER argue.
5. Don't label yourself.
"I'm on this new diet called...." Always raises be eyebrow or two. Instead, if someone asks what you're doing to look so amazing, simply reply with something like "I got tired of being tired so I decided to really clean up my diet and take better care of myself, I feel so much better". If they ask for details, you can always say things like "I eat whole foods, as organic as possible, and I learned to listen to my body to figure out which foods make me feel best and which ones were causing problems for me". If you're going to try and explain why you eliminated certain foods like gluten and sugar, be prepared with science to dispel conventional wisdom about "heart healthy grains" and "artery clogging fats"... I avoid these conversations, unless we all have wine in our hands, big smiles and open minds. Remember: you are not the food police or the chosen one. Share your journey and your food but keep your rules and opinions to yourself.
6. Don't convince.
If Aunt Ida The Vegan is happy, that's wonderful. Who are you to tell her she should do anything different? Especially if you aren't interested in being convinced to try the Tofurkey. Again, share your journey but don't ever argue or campaign. To each their own. If you really want to use science, use it as an inspiration and never a weapon. Share what you've learned about what YOU DO, but never use science to tell someone else what they should or shouldn't do. Always stop at least two sentences shy of self righteousness.
7. Offer to share more another time- then shut up about food and health.
If someone is truly interested in learning more about health and wellness, or specific topics like food sensitivities, offer to connect at a later time to share resources. It's great to share some interesting information, but it's rude to take over a party with a health coaching session, especially of your lesson involves teaching someone to reject the hosts food. Save it for another time! Ooh look, presents!
Here's wishing you a relaxed, fun and healthy holiday season, without the food hangovers or damaged relationships.
Kellie
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