Paleo During the Holidays: Set Your Goals Early

If you want to stick to your Paleo diet through the holidays, goals are going to be very 
effective for you. Instead of just getting a half-formed idea of being Paleo, you really 
want to establish the diet beforehand, understand what you can and can’t eat, and have 
strict goals for yourself in place.

The Importance of Setting Goals

Everyone should set goals, regardless of what their end result is. For someone who is 
going through the holiday season while on a Paleo diet, this can help give you the right 
perspective. Think about your goals in terms of what you are eating, what health status 
you are trying to achieve, and yes, if you are trying to lose weight.

Think about short-term and long-term goals, as this gives you something to strive for. All 
goals, even health-related ones, should be measurable. You can’t just say you want to 
be healthy – because it is subjective. Think of more specific goals, whether it means 
following Paleo for a certain number of days or losing a specific number of pounds, or 
getting into a smaller size clothing item you really want to wear in the next few months.

Being Paleo Before the Holidays Begin

This type of eating might be much different than what you are used to, so if you want to 
be consistent with it throughout the holidays, it is best to start early. Getting used to 
Paleo foods and what you can and can’t have should be done before Thanksgiving, 
Christmas, and other holidays your family celebrates. By the time the holiday arrives, 
you are already well prepared and not going to be concerned or stressed about it.

If you wait too long, you will have a much more difficult time sticking to it when you have 
only cut out sugar and refined carbs a week before.

Know What Your Priorities are

Lastly, make sure you know what your biggest priorities are, and if there is room for 
compromise. For example, if you are doing Paleo for specific health conditions, and not 
necessarily for weight loss, your priorities and goals are going to be much different than 
someone trying to lose a few pounds during the holidays.

This can change your perspective on the diet and often on what foods you are going to 
eat. This might mean leaving room for a few bites of pumpkin pie or stuffing during 
Thanksgiving, while someone else might be a bit more strict.


