The holidays are my favorite time of year but can also be a time of high stress for many people. You are constantly busy with holiday shopping, decorating, and hosting/attending party after party. This time of year is well known for throwing your health priorities to the curb, but I am here to help! Here are 5 easy ways to help you refocus and still enjoy the holiday season!
- Do NOT starve yourself
- It is so common that when you know you have an event or party to attend that night and you will eat “bad” and have a few cocktails, you starve yourself in preparation – you use that “save the calories” mentality ( I used to be one of them). However, this is the WORST thing you can do to your body – it will actually have a reverse effect and cause you to feel less than average the following day. The best way to approach these parties is by having very nutrient high meals throughout the day – big vegetable/protein salads, greek yogurts, smoothies and nuts. I even suggest eating right before you go to the party! Have a small snack or even a salad – this will prevent you from grabbing some of the small appetizers you wouldn’t normally have just because you are hungry.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
- The best way to feel good going into a party as well as the next day is by being very hydrated. Drink lots of water the day of – and a glass or two while you are at the party, or at least on your way home (throw a water bottle in your car for after)! This will allow your body to have more energy, be able to digest easier, and keep you mentally on your game.
- Mindful Eating
- Eat without distractions – try to find a nice place to sit down at the party while you are eating so you can really enjoy every bite – there’s no need to stand up and pop things down your throat – what’s the satisfaction there?
- Eat slow and stop when you are full – you might feel overwhelmed with the wide variety of foods at a party and over indulge but try to take small portions from the buffet line, eat, and then really reassess before going back up. You would be surprised how quickly you might feel full and can pass on having seconds.
- Seek Healthier Options – but DON’T deprive yourself
- Of course as a health coach and healthy eater myself you might expect me to tell you to head right towards the veggie platter – of course that would be ideal but you have to enjoy yourself and let yourself indulge in some holiday foods you don’t normally get day to day. My advice would be to think about the food a little before you grab it – is this a food you really still enjoy? Or is it the thought of it? – you might find that some of those childhood foods don’t really satisfy your taste buds anymore and might gravitate towards something new.
Okay last but definitely not least,
- NO GUILT – this is definitely the hardest but is the most important. You might immediately feel guilty or discouraged after (or even before) you eat something that you might deem as “unhealthy” or “bad” but try to let it go. Think about the taste, feeling you got from eating it, experience or connection with those around you and then reset the next day. Plan a healthy breakfast or go for a short walk. One night is not going to change you!!
I hope these five tips help you get through the holiday season a little easier – if you are interested in learning more and getting detailed coaching tips and ideas to help you make healthier choices, set up a free consultation with me. I am excited to help you navigate through the festivities with confidence and ease!
