Ah....'tis the season to be tempted by hoards of food that just don't seem to fit into your newly adopted clean eating lifestyle. You are surrounded by well-meaning family and friends who supply all of the anti-foods (you know....the cookies, candy, eggnog, wine etc.) in pro-wrestler proportions and beg you to "indulge a little" with them.   Never-mind the fact that you have never felt better about your health and wellness, that you have worked countless hours to achieve your fitness goals and you have completely revamped your eating habits.... you're still tempted.  You're still human.  Unfortunately.....there will always be a food from the time "before Genesis" that beckons you at a dinner party or family function...."come hither".  So what's a Genesis/Lifestyle Transformation devotee to do?

Keep in mind that there are many reasons we are tempted to indulge other than hunger.  We are most likely to reach for that little ginger bread man when we are tired, stressed, anxious, underprepared, or simply, dehydrated.   This season, possibly more than any other, demands that you indulge in taking care of you.  Make sure you are getting enough sleep, implement techniques that you have used in the past to de-stress yourself (meditate, practice different breath techniques, go for a walk, get a message, escape to Bermuda....he, he), be sure that you are drinking enough water and take your cooler full of clean foods with you every time you leave the house, there is no telling where the day might lead you.  Bring a healthy dish to dinner parties to ensure there is always something you can munch on, and eat a clean meal before leaving home, so you don't arrive to a function ravenous.

Go ahead and indulge this season in the things that really serve your body, mind and soul:  family and friends, healthy foods and lots of holiday cheer (no, not the kind that comes in a bottle).   Remind yourself daily of the commitment you have made to your health and wellness and when you strive to be your best self (which means putting down the ginger bread man) you are an inspiration to others.  Really.....what could be a better gift this season than to inspire someone you love to be their best?