Thanksgiving is over and the holiday rush is in full swing. If you are beating yourself up over a few slip-ups over the last week, it’s time to stop. When you follow Atkins, you are embracing a low-carb lifestyle, not a short-term diet. Which means learning how to bounce back from the occasional carb fest if it happens. Your next step? It’s time to get back on track.
Sticking with your routine of planning out your low-carb snacks and meals makes it easy to make smart choices, especially during times when temptations seem to be everywhere. Take advantage of any leftover turkey or ham that you froze after Thanksgiving and feast on roll-ups or add the meat into eggs, salads or soups. When your hunger is under control, you’ll be less likely to cave under the pressure of unexpected holiday treats. Plus, when your meals and snacks are planned out and you have an organized routine, it’s one last thing you have to think about when you’re busy with your normal day-to-day activities as well as all the additional holiday obligations.
Be sure to squeeze in some extra movement every day, even if it’s as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away in the parking lot or a brisk walk around the block. Exercise is also a great stress reliever!
I typically follow the 90/10 eating rule during the holidays: I make sure that 90% of the food I eat is on my low-carb plan, and I give myself 10% wriggle room to indulge this time of the year. Finally, my mantra is to eat until I’m satisfied, not stuffed.
Last but not least, here are some quick, delicious low-carb recipes that will warm you up and keep you satisfied during the hectic holiday season. Make extra so you have leftovers!