The "Bermuda Triangle" of temptations...

[RedRox]

Welp it's October 1st!! And we're approaching what I refer to as the Bermuda Triangle of off plan eating. In very short order over the rest of the calendar year, we are going to hit Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the end of the year/New Year's holidays depending on what you celebrate.

I can't tell you the number of posts I have read elsewhere in January that go something along the lines of "I was doing so well and then I had to have some candy at Halloween and things just spun out of control from there to New Year's and now I'm back starting over."

"things just spun out of control..." "life got in the way..." "I don't know how it happened, but..." these my friends are by and large simply excuses. These events happen EVERY year. like clockwork, errrr... calendar work! They shouldn't really sneak up on you out of the blue!!

It's a very challenging time of year. Probably the worst 3 months possible when you combine it with cooler temps, less light and what I think is the body's natural desire to carbo load for the winter months when our primitive ancestors annually faced real survival challenges with crops dormant and animals migrating or hibernating. You hard work and efforts too will not "survive" if you don't plan ahead and come up with a game plan to see you through.
????: South Beach Diet Forums http://www.southbeachdietbulletinboard.com/south-beach-diet-forums/2169-bermuda-triangle-temptations.html

Think about healthy snacks for Halloween. Yeah the kids may not come around next year, but wouldn't it be nice as a parent if somebody gave our kids something you'd like to see them dump out of their plastic pumpkin or pillow case? I vote for mini Larabars (not totally beachy but better than a mini size snickers or reese's cups), or packets of nuts. Even if you cheat on these at least you're having something that is generally good for you.

Holiday meals. If you are cooking, make healthy sides and convert favorite recipes to be SB friendly. You really do not NEED to have marshmellows in sweet potatoes!! You can do a sweet potato bake with other veggies and spices, you can find whole wheat bread cubes for stuffing or make your own or use a different whole grain like quinoa. If you really want to have a small piece of some kind of "real" pie or dessert, enjoy the heck out of it, but don't use it as an excuse to just let everything go. If you are invited elsewhere, offer to bring something beachy along for a side dish and if you need to, bring some snacks to keep you from munching on all the other "stuff" that might be available. Remember the real reason for holiday get togethers with friends and family is getting together with friends and family!! Enjoy the time with them, and focus on those relationships, not your old relationships with food.

Forewarned is forearmed!! Start formulating a plan ASAP. Make January a continuation of your healthy lifestyle, not a "do over"!!

You can do THIS!!

[french]

You just blew every excuse I use right out of the water.... Dam your a real buzz kill huh???? (kidding of course)...Very right, I do not plan a do over this year... I will plan and stick to it...Thanks Red... Great advice as always...Sugar free Jell-o is being giving out this year at my house......
French

[RedRox]

and you call me a buzz kill??

[french]

mini Larabars what are these...ewwwwwww I think I would rather jell-0

[Wergororo]

Where?
tell me pls

[RedRox]

Originally Posted by french

mini Larabars what are these...ewwwwwww I think I would rather jell-0

They're an all natural fruit and nut bar of mostly raw ingredients. They use dates as their primary fruit though, which is not an SB approved dried fruit. They are actually pretty tasty IMO. For an energy type bar, they're a lot better than most just in terms of simple, pure ingredients.

From their website FAQ

What is unique about LÄRABAR?
LÄRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than six ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

LÄRABAR is free of: gluten, dairy, soy, corn, added sugars and sweeteners, preservatives, fillers, colorings. LÄRABAR is rich in: fiber, antioxidants, heart-healthy Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, beneficial carbohydrates, essential vitamins and minerals.

What are the quality standards for LÄRABAR ingredients?
All natural
No added sugars or sweeteners
Raw
Non-GMO
Non-irradiated
No sulfites
No preservatives
No fillers
No colorings
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Soy-free
Vegan
Kosher

more info at LARABAR: Detecting Flash Player if anyone cares...

[RedRox]

Apparently today's Daily Dish newsletter from the SBD site covered this topic as well. I borrowed this from the other board JudyNYC belongs to as she posted it on that one. Thanks Judy! Hope you don't mind me "borrowing" it!

Top 6 South Beach Diet–Approved Halloween Goodies

Halloween is traditionally a day reserved for horror movies, scary costumes, and, of course, candy. But if you're following the South Beach Diet lifestyle, you've taken an important step toward improving your health and setting a good example for your family. Naturally, all family members, including children, will benefit from eating lean protein, high-fiber whole grains, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats from foods like nuts, avocados, and extra-virgin olive oil — the staples of the South Beach Diet. That's why it makes good sense to give out healthy treats (or even inedible trinkets) on Halloween. Here are six Halloween goodies that kids will enjoy — and their parents will appreciate.
1. Individual packages of whole-wheat crackers
2. Sugar-free gum
3. Small bags of nuts
4. Small bags of trans fat–free popcorn
5. Temporary tattoos
6. Stickers

[jar]

Red I really appreciated your post about the Bermuda Triangle. You are so right. I just got caught up in the first part of that and it was the Halloween portion. Work was another part of it but I can see that as the holidays start coming and our pressures of work continue stress, time, and the many other things that throw us off track are going to be there. Just knowing those are the influencers will certainly help to get tough and find some solutions to things that may crop up so I can avoid them altogther. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences.

[JohnC]

The Holidays can be a trying time when you are on the Beach but they don't have to be if you plan. I make adjustments to "normal" recipes and make them SB friendly. There is nothing better than pumpkin pie made with Splenda, very yummy. Be creative and you can enjoy the holidays.