Before I start, I feel I should share some history and background of my eating habits to set the scene of LHB and the reasons I do what I do. A few years ago, if it wasn't nailed down I'd eat it. I LOVED food and could easily eat a huge plate of pretty much anything that was put in front of me. But I exercised restraint and didn't go overboard too often, did some exercise now and again and managed to keep at a sensible weight.
I thought I was quite healthy too, but in the summer of 2008 I gained a skin condition from nowhere that caused me great problems. For about 5 years I didn't get anywhere with doctors, kept being palmed off with antibiotics and skin washes so just put up with it, as thousands of other sufferers still do every day. However, I did my own research into my condition and found that whilst official research on it is still very limited, a number of people have found help through a change in diet. Worth a try I thought, so I started off by limiting the amount of processed food I ate, cut down on bread and sugar and tried to eat more real, whole, unprocessed food. It wasn't instant, but I saw a definite improvement over the first couple of months which inspired me to keep going. I hadn't completely conquered it though, so made a few more tweaks including almost completely cutting out anything containing flour and/or wheat and hey presto, my symptoms all but disappeared. This was around October 2013 and I have continued to eat this way since which has put the condition almost into remission.
I am now aware that my trigger foods are potatoes including their derivatives (overnight effect) and wheat/flour products (effect after a few days) so as long as I avoid these and eat a real food diet, I have no problems.
Fast forward to now, LHB is up and running and Christmas 2014 is approaching. I enjoy Christmas food as much as the next person, but I know that MY Christmas food has to be different to that of other people. Does that mean I feel like I miss out, or have to longingly watch people around me tucking into mince pies and roast potatoes? HECK NO! I know what works for me so I embrace that, not worrying what the rest of my family, friends or the bloke down the road might be tucking into.
So what? How does this relate to me I hear you ask?
Mainly just to share that you don't have to indulge with mince pies,christmas cake, roast potatoes, beer, boxes of chocolates etc to enjoy this time of year. You don't have to continue the cycle of stuffing your face in December only to feel guilty by January and embark upon the latest diet/fast/fad which lasts all of 3 weeks before you get bored and go back to eating your 'normal' foods again.
I am envisaging the rush of people looking to get healthy once Big Ben dongs at midnight on New Years Eve and there is nothing necessarily wrong with that; but it would be much better to take steps before that point so you don't end up being yet another January Joiner and February Failer. Obviously a Christmas present to yourself of long term health starting now aided by LHB would be my ultimate recommendation! But if that's not realistic, at least try and make a few changes for damage limitation over the next few weeks (then sign up with LHB in January!):
- Don't go silly with portions.
Even the healthiest foods aren't great to excess. A roast dinner can be a great balanced meal, as long as you watch the amount of potatoes, Yorkshires, gravy and added sauces. Go for an extra slice of turkey and another spoonful of veg instead. By all means have a piece of Christmas pud or trifle, just keep it a reasonably small portion and don't eat it just because it's there if you're already stuffed!
- Focus on the positives.
One of the LHB philosophies is not to focus on what you can't have, but embrace what you can. I don't sit crying over not having mince pies, I just enjoy a baked ham, oatcakes with lots of different cheeses, pate and a nice glass of red wine with a bit of dark chocolate instead.
- Alcohol is fine, in moderation!
I'm not going to say that you shouldn't have alcohol at Christmas; I'm not that much of a bah humbug! Just think about the type that you choose and focus on quality rather than quantity. Lager and alcopops are best avoided, but a glass (or 2!) of red wine or a bottle of nice cider are fine and will help you feel like you're not missing out on the festivities.
- Don't be pushed, or be a pusher.
We've all been there; 'you know you want one, go on, one won't hurt'. There's nothing wrong with saying no to something and it doesn't make you into a boring grinch just because you don't want the entire contents of your Mum's Christmas chocolate stash. Similarly, don't feel that you have to push others into having something they don't want, or more of it if you are hosting a party or Christmas meal. They may be just as happy with the one small glass of wine so let them be. I'm at the point where people don't even bother to offer me cake or chocolate now and I'm fine with that and you can be too.
Hopefully that is a useful starting point for anyone who thinks they have no choice but to have a Christmas which involves excesses. If you want some more information or tips then get in touch at info@lincolnhealthbuddy.co.uk to sign up for our newsletters or to make an early start on one of our 6 week programmes to beat the January rush.
