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Danni Macfarland's avatar

Great advice. This is why I like the 80/20 rule of life. 80% allows me to enjoy that 20%. It’s the holidays. It’s okay to enjoy it!!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Yes! There’s no value in beating ourselves up over every little thing anyway. How am I going to say no to the mother-in-law and her mashed potatoes/ pie/ apple crisp? I’m not going to.

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Melissa Scala's avatar

Danni! Hello there - that is totally my motto in regards to indulging. I LOVE food food and this allows me to eat what I want and still maintain my health and weight.

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Miriam Rachel's avatar

Excellent tips but I’m not worried. The holidays don’t overwhelm me anymore. My husband brings home holiday treats from work. I am mindful of how much I eat. As long as I eat my proteins and other nutrient-dense foods first I’ll save the wiggle room I have left for a bit of those treats. I did the same last year and I still lost. Maybe it was 0.5 instead of 1 lb but I still lost!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

That’s great to hear! It sounds like you have a system that works for you.

I think those of us most at risk have multiple houses to visit and travelling to do, so the entire experience is a bit stressful and all routines are out the window. That’s when we need to make sure we check in with ourselves and take action.

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Miriam Rachel's avatar

Yeah I understand which fortunately is not my experience but in the past I would make an excuse to eat badly because… it was the holidays!!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

That’s what most people do. They absolve themselves of responsibility and choice. What can you do, it’s the holidays! Oh well, might as well go all in!

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Miriam Rachel's avatar

Yup exactly

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Melissa Scala's avatar

It is doable as you've experienced! Enjoy your treats this year !!

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David Gottfried's avatar

There's a very simple way to eat tons of food and not get fat. Do what my late Mother did. She ate 2 thanksgiving dinners on the same day. She had to go to her Mother's for Turkey day, but to be a rebel she also went to a friend's house.

The Result:

Appendicitis and the ensuing surgery, etc. resulted in a net loss of weight. She had her food and looked good in swim suit too.

For More stories about the Holidays and Food Go Here:

https://davidgottfried.substack.com/p/christians-have-christmas-carols

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thanks for the comment!

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

I'm ashamed to admit it's already started lol. My mom and I traditionally make a massive batch of homemade nuts n bolts which is a constant "grab and go" every single time I walk past them on the counter 🤣 I'm already bunged up. I can't wait til temptation season is over!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Haha- bunged up! That’s what happens!

We used to make the giant batch of nuts n bolts when the kids were still in the house. Now you got me tempted to make a batch, but maybe I should just slip past your house instead!

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

Lol door's open!! I'm in the "give this shit away" phase now!

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Victoria Fann's avatar

I don't drink alcohol and don't eat sugar, so I should be fine.

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Yeah, that leaves you in good shape. Do you have any special meals planned for this time of yea?

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Victoria Fann's avatar

My mother, who passed in 2018 used to make lasagna for Christmas Eve even though she's not Italian, inspired me to carry on that tradition. However, at the moment, I'm doing the FODmap diet, so I'm keeping it simple as I give my digestive system a chance to rest from triggering foods, which includes garlic and onions. Can't make lasagna without garlic and onions!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Yeah, I agree. There’s no substitution for that

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Melissa Scala's avatar

Such good advice Tim - you aren't telling people not to eat holiday treats... you're showing them how to do it without the weight gain. I am surely going to enjoy some treats, but my body will be forgiving because I am eating very well 80-90% of the time.

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

That’s the key, isn’t it? Daily habits are what make a good body. A few treats are just a blip

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Melissa Scala's avatar

Exactly!!

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Philipp Maerzhaeuser's avatar

I don`t know if I am more worried about the calories coming from food or alcohol.

Probably both, haha.

Either way, great advice, Tim. No need to feel guilty after a few days of eating more and/or more unhealthy. Getting in steps, prioritizing protein and fibrous veggies are key for me.

I wish you a restful and peaceful christmas time while looking forward to be working together in 2025;-)

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thanks, Philipp! Have a great holiday!

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Selda Seyfi's avatar

Thanks Tim! Love the practical advice. Will be attempting to follow it ☺️

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Good luck! You’re gonna do great.

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Erik Hogan's avatar

Great recommendations! Thanks Tim!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Have a great holiday season Erik! Keep up the excellent posts

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Nancy A's avatar

Thanks for all the great tips! I already feel like I'm slipping into dangerous habits "for just a few weeks". Dangerous mindset, I know! 🙄 Time to get serious! 😉

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Not too serious! We are on Earth to enjoy life, we just have to do it on purpose. Have a great holiday season!

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Nancy A's avatar

Yes, serious but not too serious. 😊 Happy holidays!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

I’m going out of my way to enjoy this season!

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Awesome and hilarious post! Pics were great. Thanks for shoutout.

We can simultaneously enjoy and effectively manage the holidays without setbacks by following the excellent guidance you just put out!

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Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thanks Kyle! I hope that this empowers readers to manage their fitness just a little better.

I used your workout videos this morning in addition to my regular routine. I appreciate how clear your instructions were.

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Kyle Shepard's avatar

Thank you brother!

Hope so too. You’re providing excellent knowledge but it only becomes useful to those willing to consistently give it a go.

Fitness and nutrition are a few of the small amount things we have control over in this life. Why not optimize them to the best of our abilities and enjoy the benefits the effort undoubtedly will provide?

Have a great one

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