5 Tips for Surviving Christmas on Your Keto Diet

Do you have a love/hate relationship with Christmas?  Most of us do.  I love the decorations and the parties and the music and the food.  I love to bake and spend time with friends and family.  We were created for relationships and Christmas is a great time to catch up with friends and family that we don't see as often as we'd like.  Plus we're really busy so it's easy to just run thru the drive-thru and grab dinner.  

But the food . . .  How do we stay on track with our Keto lifestyle with all this good food?  Here's 5 tips to survive all the Christmas parties.

1.  Eat a bit before you go.

One of the beauties of the Keto lifestyle is the food we eat fills us up and we don't get hungry.  If you aren't as hungry, it's easier to say no to the sugary and high carb delights at the party.  Our fridge usually has either beef taco meat or chicken fajita meat for quick Keto meals or snacks.  Or grab a handful of mixed nuts.  Or a few bites of Broccoli Slaw, which I also keep in the fridge.

2.  Take your own dish.

I have several dips that I make that are very Keto-friendly.  I'll be adding them in the weeks before Christmas so be sure and check back.  Or better yet, join my "What's For Dinner?"  Facebook group.  It's a great place to get tips, recipes and menus.  Meatballs are another great app that you can take.  I'll also be sharing my Keto Cheesecake bites that you can take.

3.  Use the raw veggies as dippers instead of crackers.

Most parties have a veggie tray.  Use the veggies from it for other dips.  Most of the dips at parties are very Keto-friendly.  Made with sour cream, cheese, bacon and other fats.  Or eat them with a fork.  Who says you have to eat a cheeseball with a cracker?  

4.  Enjoy little bites . . . 

Instead of eating a whole slice of that delicious chocolate torte or pie, just eat a bite or two.  Share that brownie with another party goer.  Grab just one chocolate covered pretzel.  

5.  Give yourself some grace . . . 

Be realistic.  How many times have you actually lost weight during Christmas?  Enjoy the time with family and friends.  Enjoy the good food.  Don't be the party pooper that guilts everyone at the party.  Don't make it all about you and your diet.  Moderation here is key.  Just don't overdo it at the party or family get-together.  

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

2 T. olive oil

1 t. Penzey's Garlic, Minced ~or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced~

Penzey's Forward Seasoning or Smokey Barbecue Rub by Pampered Chef 

2 1 lb. Pork Tenderloins

8 - 10 bacon slices.

Preheat oven to 400 deg.

Soften minced garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes.

Brush pork tenderloins with olive oil infused with the garlic.

Sprinkle liberally with seasoning of choice.

Lay out 4 slices of bacon on cutting board side by side.  Lay one pork tenderloin on bacon.  

Starting at one end, wrap tenderloin with bacon securing with toothpicks.

Place bacon wrapped tenderloin on large bar pan.  Repeat with other tenderloin.

Bake for 20 minutes.  Reduce heat to 300 deg.  Bake for additional 15 minutes.  

Check tenderloin with a meat thermometer.  It should be 135 deg.  Increase the heat to low broil ~450 deg~ and broil for 3 - 5 minutes to crisp up bacon.

Remove from oven.  Cover with foil for 10 minutes.  Internal temp will rise.

Slice and serve.