How to handle the temptation of holiday treats

By Brian Maynor

 

It wouldn’t be the holidays without cookies, cakes, candies and other assorted forms of sweet, delicious temptations.

However, we all know the consequences of over-indulging, even for just a few weeks.  If hitting the gym harder isn’t at the top of your priority list, there are other ways to manage the temptation of holiday treats that can help us enjoy them in moderation.

Here are a few conventional and unconventional tips to try:

1.   Bring your own.  Packing lunch is generally the number one rule when it comes to staying on track with your diet all year long, but it can be especially helpful during the holidays.  Even if it’s not a super-healthy, it will definitely be better than gorging on the sugary snacks around the office.

2.    Be a little weird.  As a sufferer of food allergies and sensitivities, I can attest that they are very real and no laughing matter, but they can also be a creative way of tricking yourself into avoiding certain snacks.  Whether it’s thinking about food other people bring as suspect, or simply telling yourself you are allergic to its ingredients

3.    Start with something to drink.  Some personal favorites are protein shakes, lemon water, tea or coffee.  Protein, lemon and caffeine are all great for curbing cravings.  So instead of reaching for a treat, or before you do, drink something first.  It doesn’t hurt that the liquid will help make you feel full faster too.

4.    Hide the temptation.  While you may not be able to hide them in someone’s office, it is possible to move temptations to the back of the room, or to a corner or other less tempting space and away from the main table when you first walk in the door.

5.    Fib and say you ate it.  Often the pressure to eat food is greater than the desire to actually eat it.  If this is the case, you can always tell a little white lie.  Another option for the morally conscientious is to actually take a bite and then throw it away.  That way you’re not lying, but aren’t pressured into eating the entire thing.

It’s impossible to avoid the temptation of holiday goodies entirely, but at least with these tips you can feel empowered to enjoy them in moderation.  The other alternative is to just enjoy the binge and suffer the consequences later.  It is the holiday season after all.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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