Tips to stay on track with your health goals for any holiday season
This holiday season seems like pre pandemic times even though a lot of people are getting the flu, RSV or COVID. We were spared the winter viruses during SIP but we don’t want to go back there, do we?
Holiday season brings family and friends together. There is definitely lot of food and drinks involved, whether eating out or at home. Especially when it comes to food we may not always have control on what’s being served and may indulge ourselves.
Fear not, I want to share simple strategies for the upcoming or any holiday season that can help you stay on track with the healthy habits you have developed and leave any anxiety out the door.
Here it goes :
1. Stick to your morning routine. Begin your day as you would any other. Don’t skip meals to save calories as you may have a big meal planned later on in the day. This is my number one pet peeve. Eat a protein rich breakfast or whenever you have your first meal of the day. This ensures you don’t have cravings or overeat later on.
2. Move your body. Get a workout earlier in the day to look forward to your lavish meal. Take a walk, plan a family hike, take a class or get a dance party started if you are cooking. Remember to move your body after the big meal as well. Offer to clean up or go for a walk or try one of my go to – put on some dance music and get on the floor:) Movement after a meal, gets your body to digest the food and avoid the crash that we all feel after a big meal.
3. Stay hydrated and limit your alcohol. Alcohol reduces your inhibitions and can lead you down a slippery slope of making not so great choices. Try sparkling water with lemon or lime or make sure you have a glass water between drinks. Drink a glass of warm water with lemon before a meal to aid digestion.
4. Prepare before you go. A little preparation goes a long way. Eat a protein-and healthy-fat-packed snack an hour before your holiday meal like a protein smoothie, apples with nut butter. Protein and fat help cut cravings for sugar and processed carbs. This way you will prevent feeling bloated and unbuttoning your pants at the end of the night (we have all been there, isn’t?)
5. Stay mindful and enjoy your meal. Stay present with the people around you, chew and enjoy your meal. Don’t dwell on the food but make it about time with your loved ones. If you do happen to slip up, leave the guilt behind. Guilt is a toxic emotion that creates more damage. Just get back on your routine the next day. Remember it’s what you do consistently matters more than a few slip up’s here and there.
Have a lovely holiday season with your loved ones and cherish the time together!
I hope you find these tips helpful and if you need some help during this holiday season set up time to chat.
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