If you are like me the holidays are the most tempting time of the year to indulge on your favorite foods. If you are also like me those foods consist of everything you cannot eat due to food allergies or food sensitivities. I’m talking pies, cakes, cookies, candies, stuffing, rolls, need I go on? Here are some tips that I have found useful in order to survive these temptations.

Step 1: Show up prepared.

Whenever I go to Thanksgiving I know that my Auntie Linda is going to bake at least 2 of her yummy pies. Her apple pie has always been my favorite. But, since becoming Paleo I have to miss out on eating her pies. Therefore, I have taken upon myself to make my own pie that is Paleo friendly. Paleo pecan pie has become my favorite to make. This way I get to enjoy something sweet and indulge in my own little dessert that isn’t going to hurt me. If baking is not your specialty, I recommend you make my candied pecans. These will satisfy that sweet tooth craving and also keep you full from wanting to sneak that piece of pie or cake.

Candied Pecans Recipe:

1 cup Pecan Halves

¼ cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

pinch of salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Toast Pecans in a pan over medium heat then remove pecans from the pan. Heat coconut oil and maple syrup in pan until it starts to bubble. Add vanilla, salt and cinnamon and mix into syrup mixture. Lower heat to low and let the mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or so. Turn off heat and mix in toasted pecans. Spread pecans on parchment paper to cool.

** If you like a little kick add cayenne pepper when you add the cinnamon.

Step 2: Fill up your plate.

I know Thanksgiving is a time where most people gorge out on an obscene amount of food they wouldn’t normally consume. And this is still possible following Paleo. Instead of adding bread and stuffing to your plate, add an extra scoop of potatoes or another slab of turkey or whatever meat you have available. Instead of missing those items you can no longer eat, substitute your favorite side by doubling up on it. I love sweet potatoes and since sweet potatoes have sugar and are considered a carb I can convince myself it is the equivalent of the rolls I used to always have to have. Stuffing was my favorite side at Thanksgiving, so finding a way to replace this was difficult. But knowing that I won’t feel like death after my meal keeps me from even wanting to sneak a bite. But eating until I am full is the perfect way to cure any craving for foods I no longer get to enjoy.

Step 3: Cheat

I don’t actually consider it cheating because I believe that every person’s body is different. I know that anything with gluten will destroy me but sugar I can handle in minimal amounts. I cheat with alcohol mostly wine or cider. I also will cheat with chocolate. My advice to you is to only cheat with something small. If you absolutely have to have your Memere’s Rice Krispie Treats then that’s what you should do. If you have to have a glass of Eggnog or whatever it is you can’t imagine the holidays without then don’t torture yourself. Just do it. Nobody is perfect and the holiday’s are meant to be enjoyed. The Paleo diet isn’t about being strict and boring. It’s about knowing your body’s limits and all the ways to be the healthiest version of yourself.