Are you worried about sticking to your diet come December? It’s a legit concern because it’s the time of year where you can’t always control what’s served to you. How can you stay Keto when you’re at a different party every weekend? 

Easily! As important as food is to the holidays, remember that it’s not the only thing! Besides, there are plenty of seasonal favourites you can still have on your ketogenic diet. Follow these five tips to navigate your next work party or family gathering. 

Know what you can and can’t eat

 

As we’ve said before, education can make or break your diet, so know what you can and can’t have to eat. We know it’s delicious, but you’ll have to skip on the stuffing this year – go for that fatty, flavourful dark meat with gravy and the many veggie sides that always turn up at dinner parties.

If you have your eye on something, gently ask your host the ingredients if you’re not entirely sure what’s in it. Even still, there’s one way you can ensure that there’s something you’ll enjoy…

 

Tell the host your dietary restrictions and offer to bring food

 

Being a host is hard work, and trying to accommodate everybody might not be feasible if the host isn’t given enough time to prepare. Be polite – if your plans are last minute or you’re informing the host late, you might get pushback. Don’t take it personally, all the holiday planning can drive even the most patient person a little mad. 

Also, offer to bring a dish or two yourself! It could be a hit, and you’ll know exactly what’s in it and guarantee you won’t starve all evening. Try the Garlic Green Beans with Bacon recipe below! 

 

Don’t use “it’s the holidays!” as an excuse to cheat

 

Look, we get it, cheating on a diet is pretty routine, but you can’t just choose to lapse because everyone’s celebrating the season! Remember, you can still enjoy so much of what the holidays bring and stick to your dietary goals – it’s not an either/or situation!

By bringing Keto-friendly foods to parties, focusing on what you can eat, and using your willpower, you’ll come out in January feeling great. 

 

Don’t have food forced onto you!

 

The holidays aren’t about food, but a lot of your family and friends will try to make it about food. Your aunt might have a bread pudding you just “have to try!”; the stuffing is a secret recipe, and your host says she’ll feel insulted if you don’t eat it; your mother doesn’t understand your diet and keeps insisting you take the last piece of pecan pie. Decline politely! You’re an adult, and you can make your own food choices.  

 

Keep your app handy! 

 

Remember, MyFitnessPal is literally your pal throughout the holidays. By keeping tabs on what you’re eating and knowing your carb load, you’ll have an easier time sticking to your diet. When in doubt, consult the app! Maybe consult it before you sit down for dinner, so you’re not looking down at a glowing box while your host is carving the turkey. 

 

Recipe: Garlic Green Beans with Bacon

Full of healthy fats and delicious to boot, this side dish is absolutely perfect for any time of year, but will fit right in with that big Christmas feast! This recipe is courtesy of Julia’s Album. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed, ends trimmed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 bacon strips, cooked, drained of fat, chopped

Bring a large pot of water to boil, add green beans (water should be just above the beans), and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, drain the beans.

 

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook it, constantly stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add chopped cooked bacon (drained of fat) and green beans. Saute on medium heat for about 1 minute to combine all ingredients. Remove from heat. Taste and add more salt, if needed.