How to Have a Healthier Holiday
The holidays are officially here! As a trainer, I know many of my clients are a little worried that they are going to get way off track this time of year. I understand that it can be tough to keep pressing on, especially with all of the social gatherings such as work luncheons, Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations. Something about peer pressure in these kinds of settings causes us to make irrational choices. So, here are three of my tips for staying on track even through holiday gatherings.
- Slow down when you are eating and drinking. Enjoy the conversation and soak in the moment – not all the extra calories. Slowing down signals your brain that you’re satisfied before you become full and uncomfortable. Remember to drink water before, during and after eating too. Water helps flush out excess sodium, and fills you up faster at mealtime. Alcohol is common at holiday gatherings and has lots of calories, carbohydrates and sugar. If you choose to drink, pick a smaller, lighter beverage and enjoy every sip.
- Carve out time for physical activity. You may have guests staying with you, but plan ahead to spend just 30 minutes of exercise each day. Your guests may even want to join you if you’d like to extend an invitation! If working out isn’t an option, you can try and incorporate physical activity into your gatherings. Some ideas include: walking around the Plaza and looking at lights, playing in the slow (if it falls!), caroling around your neighborhood, ice skating, or staying indoors and playing more active games like charades.
- Build a healthier plate. The person across the buffet line from you may fill half of his plate with mashed potatoes and gravy, but you don’t have to. Take a sample of everything you might enjoy with emphasis on lean protein, veggies and fruit. Eat your veggies first and if you’re still hungry, enjoy some of the other offerings. For those of you who are hosting celebrations, I suggest preparing a healthy meal and adding in a couple of options that your guests may prefer. And never apologize for eating healthy.
Remember to enjoy the holidays and have fun with your family and friends. Do the best you can to stay on track, but also give yourself grace if everything isn’t perfect. You can do this!
