Help with Healthy Holiday Eating with Caryn Laviv of Calorie Inc.
As a child there were two important parts to Halloween: the costume and the pillowcase. The pillowcase was particularly important because I wanted to ensure that I had maximum capacity for all my Halloween candy. Each year there was a competition between me and my brother to see who could get the most candy. There was so much candy between the two of us that it would last for a few months (my brother and I were very good at rationing). I did, however, often catch my parents helping themselves to our stockpile. Whoever said “kids will be kids” should’ve said “adults will be kids!”
As an adult I see how scary the holidays can be for dieters. Month after month from October to January, parties and excessive food can challenge your good intentions and your good habits. But there are ways to avoid or limit weight gain during this time.
It would be easy to say “reduce sweets and alcohol, and practice portion control, all while maintaining your exercise routine.” But let’s be real. If those behaviors aren’t followed during the year, why would they be followed in the midst of the most celebratory and food-focused time of the year?
I’m a big believer in small steps. Small positive steps, when compounded over time, lead to wonderful results. What small step can you make with your food that will get you to January 1 feeling proud and accomplished? Remember a small step isn’t “lose 10 pounds.” That is a goal. A step is an action.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Replace one alcoholic beverage with a glass of water or sparkling water each time you go out
• Bring your lunch to work twice per week
• Replace two lattes per week with tea or regular coffee
• Try one new vegetable per week
Notice how all of these ideas are relatively easy and painless? They will, however, make a big difference, and they will inspire you to make more small steps.
Make it a game. Have fun. What one small step can you make?
Caryn Laviv 
Founder of Calorie Inc
Create Your Future Body at Calorie Inc
