Maya wanted to say Happy Holiday also.
Give yourself a break and aim to maintain your weight for the next 2-weeks verse trying to lose. This way you can enjoy yourself without feeling deprived. We all know once we say we cannot have/eat something the more we want it (and often give in!) Wise up this holiday season.
My weight used to fluctuate 3-5 pounds between November and January. I rang in the New Year feeling bloated, nasty, and mad at myself for lack of control. Ring a bell?
Tell me what’s the biggest contributor to your holiday weight gain?
Sweets were my biggest struggle over the holiday. Everywhere I turned I was tempted. The more I ate the more I wanted, the crappier I left, which put me in a bad mood. Hello Grinch.
Reframe your thoughts from “I am not going to have cookies, eggnog, or a holiday cocktail” to “I am go eat/drink/think/behave in ways that make me feel good.” This simple shift in mindset will do wonders for willpower even though it goes against the grain of logic.
Here are 6 healthy practices I use to maintain my weight and stay joyful during the holiday season:
1. If traveling, Go Grocery Shopping. Pick up your health staples: fresh fruit, veggies, or ingredients for a morning smoothie.
2. Meditate Daily. First thing, even just for 5-minutes while lying in bed. Start the day off on the right foot by setting a positive intention for the day’s events.
3. Include the Family in Fitness. Invite others to join you for a morning workout or walk after dinner. I rally the troops for walks, hikes, bikes, or yoga. This year my mom scored passes at the local gym so we’ll be playing racquetball. Dance revolution anyone? Or even rent a Tae-Bo video and laugh at each other’s boozing skills while working up a sweat.
4. Offer to Bring a Side Dish to the party. Showing up with a healthy dish will increase your chances of eating healthy. Try this Spinach Artichoke Dip with lots of veggies or offer to bring the salad for dinner.
5. Watch Your Sweet Intake. Choose one of your favorite treats, put it on a plate, sit down and enjoy it. Denying yourself can lead to giving into later on then feeling guilty. Be mindful of the small handfuls of candy, or bites of this and that you take.
6. Aim for 8, Eight-ounce Glasses of Water Each Day and 3 Servings of Vegetables. Plan and simple. Drinking water and eating greens will make you feel better.
Bottom line: When you feel like junk it’s harder to enjoy the precious time with family and feeling sexy in your New Year’s Eve outfit. Remind yourself of what makes you feel good. Let that be your guide and remember if you get off track the next meal is another opportunity to take care of yourself.
What do you do to stay healthy and vibrant over the holidays? Share in the comments section below.
Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy holiday,
Jackie