Surviving the Holi-daze | by All Star OMP Member #10270

Being a model isn't easy during the holidays. Like other fields, the modeling industry usually shuts down for a short period to allow its members time to celebrate, relax, and reflect on the wonders of the season. And there are plenty of shopping sprees and family activities that take the place of photo shoots and working out. If you are the type of person that usually needs to watch what they eat, food-filled parties can become an unwanted temptation. And we won't even get into the after-effects of drinking too much spiked egg nog and champagne.

But that doesn't mean you have to can't enjoy yourself during all the late December festivities. You just have to know when to let go and when to hold back. So in the spirit of the season, here are some tips and suggestions from OMP models regarding surviving the holi-daze:

Like most people, Mercedes (OMP #60632) loves Christmas, and looks forward to the festive season. "It's almost everyone's favorite holiday, I believe. The smells of Grandma's home cooking and homemade pies in the oven are wonderful. Every year my whole family gets together at my Grandma's house. My cousins, aunts, uncles, and siblings all travel in, there's about 75 of us altogether. We play gift exchange games and enjoy spending time with each other. I usually let go and enjoy myself over the holidays. I can't resist all the great food. Then as soon as January is here, I start watching how I eat. I don't diet, I just try to eat healthy. The holidays are such a busy time for all of us, and with me working three jobs, I just can't find enough time in the day for everything that needs to be done. I am a horrible gift shopper. I usually end up with more stuff for myself than for others."

When attending feasts filled with visions of sugar plums (whatever they are) and other sweet delights, New Yorker Angela (OMP #64237) has come up with a diplomatic way to turn down caloric goodies. "How to cut down on rich food during the holidays? To not hurt the feelings of my hosts, I tell them I have food allergies and eat a salad. When people hear 'I have allergies' rather than 'I'm on a diet,' they are more sympathetic that way."

With a firm resolve, Lisa (OMP #64208) offers her official list of "Secrets to Surviving the Holi-Daze" to her fellow OMP models: "Around the holidays, I know that there will be a lot high-calorie foods. I drink a lot more water and eat more protein than usual around the holidays. If I feel like grabbing something, I tell myself to find something healthier for me: instead of ice cream, I'll have a sugar free fudge bar, or even popcorn, which is low in calories. Or if all else fails, I'll give in but I'll only have a little and I'll be satisfied!"

In a similar way, Angela (OMP #64080) takes a very responsible approach to dealing with Yuletide yearnings. "How do I survive the holidays as a model? Well, I would definitely have to say by sticking to the same exercise routine and drinking lots of water. I know when I exercise I feel better and less stressed-out. We all know we need less stress during the holidays. And drinking a lot of water keeps me feeling a little fuller so I'm less likely to fill up on Christmas cookies.

Although she lives in Florida, Annaliese (OMP #17935) recently dealt with cold winter temperatures by staying in bed all day. But she does find creative ways to combat the holiday blues. "I'm always a wreck this time of year, I get that nasty holiday depression. But shopping fixes everything for me, especially sales. To cheer myself up, I'll buy MAC makeup products and Steve Madden stilettos, along with things for my apartment. And I like to work during the holidays, to stay busy. As far as sticking to a diet to stay in shape, mostly I just avoid carbs at holiday parties. I'm the worst person to ask about exercise advice -- I'm lucky because I have a high metabolism. I think I'm working out if I walk to Starbucks!"

Petals (OMP #39811) is also from the South, which has many of its own traditions during the holidays, but watching what you eat is not one of them. "I'm originally from Louisiana... no dieting there!!! I never avoid my family's cooking on Christmas. Every Christmas Eve my family sits down to enjoy a delicious chicken and sausage gumbo prepared by my mother. This is a Cajun tradition that has been practiced for years in my heritage of Southern Louisiana. This mouth-watering treat is followed by a chocolate dessert called 'yummy-yummy.' Christmas morning we indulge in mimosas {orange juice and champagne} with homemade biscuits while unraveling piles of presents." Shopping urges are also indulged. "I have managed to avoid the temptation to buy all the delicious goodies in the stores I have frequented this year. I have added items to wish lists and have dropped very strong hints. I do have all of the above on my Christmas list and await the early morning presents as much as my nine-year-old niece!" Beth does like to continue pursuing modeling work even though most of the industry is taking a break. "I do work during the holidays because I do not see the need to stop everything for any reason other than an emergency. I am always awaiting another shoot because I love what I do! I will be with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, but I am working right before and after the holidays, although I do look forward to some free time between work and play, which allows me to be an artist and a woman in the real world away from the eye of the camera!"

To everyone at OMP, a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

NEXT TIME: Resolutions for the New Year

© 2003 by Elias "All Star" Stimac

NOTE: If you are an OneModelPlace.com model and wish to have your opinions included in "Modeling in Focus," email All Star through his OMP page Member #10270 and write in the subject line "Model Profile".

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