Holiday Willpower - Conquer the Crap!

I get asked all the time about my strong willpower. I think people assume that if you are able to say no to something bad, you must have been born with magical powers. The truth is, willpower is something you gain with practice – it’s not
something you are born with. 

You must decide at the start of each day what you will say no to and what you will say yes to. It is all about managing your circumstances instead of them managing you. For example, if you plan to attend a holiday party, decide ahead of time
how you will handle the party so you will walk away proud of your decisions instead of guilty about them. Here are my lists of NO things that will help you gain willpower and YES items that will keep you healthy.

• NO fake foods (these are processed imposters of the real deal). Why settle for that when you have dozens of yummy homemade options with real ingredients?
• NO foofoo drinks – these pack a punch! In one sitting you can easily guzzle 500 calories of your favorite holiday cocktail. Yowza! If you MUST foofoo, then give up some other fabulous thing you planned on eating. Here’s a link to low-calorie cocktails
• NO dips!  OMGoodness people, dipping a fried food into a creamy sauce should be illegal. Dips are sneaky little devils – two tablespoons of most creamy dips will cost you a whopping 150 calories. 
• NO complaining. I know this isn’t food-related, but if you complain, you will become a negative nelly – and no one likes a negative nelly. Plus, stop yapping about your issues – instead take action and do something about them!
• YES to water! Keep a bottle in your hand at all times over the holidays.  Fancy it up if you must with ice and a twist of lemon, lime or cucumber. Having something in your hand at holiday parties will make you more social, and you will drink and eat a lot less foo foo.
• YES to whole foods!  You should pile your plate high with veggies and lean proteins, such as shrimp or turkey. Think of this meal or snack as the perfect
  opportunity to provide perfect nutritional balance to your body.  Learn more here.
• YES to activities! Get off your hiney and enjoy the holiday season. I promise, a couple hours of sledding, ice skating or skiing with friends and family will be your best holiday memory. In fact, an activity can be the main reason to have a holiday party.

Take a moment at the start of each day to be intentional about what you will and won’t do. Every time you say no to something “bad” for you, your willpower will grow. If you practice this daily, in no time people will be asking you how you
have such strong willpower too! Your very own Christmas miracle!