Tis the season for the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Year end, along with Christmas and New Year’s tend to be the busiest time of the year for many of us. We often get so caught up in what we need todo, we forget about taking care of ourselves. If you don't want to feel frazzled and pack on extra pounds during the holidays, it's important to focus on managing stress and make healthy choices.
Here are some of my favorite healthy holiday tips to help you stay healthy, happy, and energetic during the “most wonderful time of the year!”
Eat Breakfast
You've heard before, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Having a protein rich breakfast or snack will help jumpstart your metabolism. Many people think skipping breakfast or other meals leading up to the big holiday meal is a good idea. But this will leave you starving and more likely to over-indulge once the appetizers come out and the meal is served.
Exercise early
The holiday season tends to get busier and busier as the day goes on, making it easier to find excuses to skip exercising. Start your day off with a workout, you’ll feel better about yourself and you’ll be burning calories all day!
Get the family involved.
It can be hard to pull yourself away from family gatherings to and make time to exercise. The best way to avoid missing out on family fun is to make your workout a group activity. Play a game of flag football together or sign up for a holiday fun run or walk. Exercising together will make memories and keep your workout fun.
Stay hydrated.
With all the running around shopping, decorating, and parties to attend, it's important to make sure you’re staying hydrated. Dehydration causes us to feel sluggish and gives a false sense of hunger. Aim for ½ of your weight in ounces of water each day! Try drinking a glass of water before holiday meals or parties to feel satisfied faster, which can help to prevent over-indulging in food or alcohol.
Make healthy food Choices but DON'T deprive yourself.
Fill most of your plate with veggies, and lean proteinbefore digging into the heavy casseroles and deserts. Use fresh cut veggies for dips instead ofchips or crackers and try to limit dishes that are full of heavy creams and sauces.
Skip the seconds.
Eat your meal slowly and take a break before going back for another plateful of your holiday favorites. If you've taken your time eating, you should be feeling full by the end of your first serving. Let your body recognize that it’s full and skip the extra fat and calories that come with seconds and thirds.
Stay on your feet.
After a big meal, we often want to flop on the couch to watch football or a movie. But staying active after eating helps burn off a few of the calories. Research shows even a short walk after a meal can aid in digestion and help minimize the glucose spike.
Curb your drinking
Holiday gatherings often mean a few drinks, but it’s easy to forget that the calories in alcoholic drinks can really add up. For example, there are about 120 calories in each glass of wine. Plus, alcohol slows process of fat burning. Alternate glasses of water between your alcoholic beverages, and not only will you cut the calories, but you’ll also feel much better the next morning.
Care for YOURSELF
Don’t forget about YOU. Tis' the season for giving but if you are overworked, stressed, and running around you’re less likely to enjoy the holidays. Keep a positive attitude, try sticking to your normal exercise routine as much as possible, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. This will keep energy levels up, your mind clear, and help you avoid the tempting holiday sweets.
Focus on Family and the Spirit of the Holiday
The shopping, parties, commotion, and even the food are all secondary to the true meaning of the season, whatever that may be to you. Be it a family time, or spiritual time, focus on what the holidays mean to you and remember that’s what the holidays are all about. Focus on your own Reason for the Season and ENJOY!!!!
