o you have a plan for the holidays?  Close your eyes and remember Thanksgiving evening 2012. Was your waistband a bit tight? Was that your goal for the day? I didn’t think so.

You have set goals for yourself. Specific, measurable, attainable, and relevant ones. You are working hard to achieve these goals. Imagine how great you will feel when you reach them!

It’s time for some holiday planning!  Enjoy the upcoming holidays without putting your objectives on hold. Focus on family, friends & fun rather than food. Consider the little things that you can do to make this holiday season a healthier one for you and your loved ones.  Invite them to take a walk with you after dinner or visit a local ice rink and skate off a few bites. Make modifications to your favorite side dishes to trim carbs & calories. Meet up with friends at a park or museum instead of a restaurant. Take a water bottle with you everywhere and keep your energy level up where it needs to be this time of year. None of these things take a lot of time or effort, just a change in perspective.

In spite of your planning and best efforts, you may still find yourself reaching for something that wasn’t part of the plan. When you find yourself tempted, practice managing your response     toward food. Remember the letter ‘D’.

Delay     Wait at least 10-15 minutes before deciding whether you really want to eat a food.

Distract      Do something else. Find an enjoyable activity that occupies your mind & hands!

Distance     If you can’t reach it, see it, or smell it, you may no longer really want it.

Decide     Is it really worth it? What is the worst thing that will happen if you don’t eat it? Have you totaled your protein and carbs for the day? Is there room to negotiate?

Determine     If you have decided that you are going to eat it, figure out what amount will leave you satisfied without making you feel guilty. Once it is on your plate, be mindful of each bite—and enjoy!

It’s time to make your plan.  What are you weight-ing for?