[cmsmasters_row data_width=”boxed” data_padding_left=”3″ data_padding_right=”3″ data_top_style=”default” data_bot_style=”default” data_color=”default” data_bg_position=”top center” data_bg_repeat=”no-repeat” data_bg_attachment=”scroll” data_bg_size=”cover” data_bg_parallax_ratio=”0.5″ data_padding_top=”0″ data_padding_bottom=”50″][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsmasters_text animation_delay=”0″]
If we’re choosing sides and picking battles, I’m definitely fighting on team HOLIDAY FOOD! I love the holiday season and everything that comes with it: food, drinks, food, parties, food, friends, food, holiday shows and movies. Oh, I also love the food.
The holidays are a big struggle for all of us as we try to maintain all the progress we’ve made during the year. Our inability to manage the holiday fun ultimately ends in many of us creating the same New Year’s resolution we started with the year before.
Since people tend to freak out over the holidays and do weird stuff like drink a half gallon of water before a holiday party so they feel “full”, I want to throw some tips out there that take a little bit more mental and physical commitment, but I think will stick with you all year all the way through the next holiday season.
Below are the only three tips I think you’ll need. They may sound at first a little “easier said than done” but consider the bigger picture and the steps that need to be taken to make bigger life changes! Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to start the New Year off a little ahead for once?
- Move more. Weight loss or weight management is not really as simple as “calories in, calories out” but sometimes it is. If you are expecting a big eating event in the next day, next few days or next week, commit to increasing your intentional exercise each day. If you’re planning a 30 minute run, consider 40 minutes. If you’re going to a class at the gym, consider arriving 15 minutes early to log some time on your favorite piece of cardio equipment. It also helps to schedule workouts like an appointment. It adds structure, routine and increases commitment. All keys to success! People will say that you shouldn’t use exercise as a way to burn something off or prepare to overeat, but I don’t really agree with that all the time. By exercising more, you’re holding yourself accountable, staying in control of your health, and you’re also allowing your body to use calories more efficiently. I don’t see the problem with that!
- Eat whatever you want. TRULY! I haven’t mastered saying ‘no’ to anything. What I have mastered is portion sizes. Whatever your M.O. is (mine is dessert), just go for it but maybe take half home, split something with someone, or cut it in half right on the serving tray. During any other time of the year, I’d say eat the entire piece of pie. But for the holidays with so much else going on and so much else available, I guarantee you’ll be satisfied with a little bit of this and that and you won’t have to worry about overeating. Remember, the more you deny yourself, the more you’ll want something and the more prone you’ll be to binging! Additional mini tip- choose the smallest plate. Loading up a small plate is a mind trick and does wonders for portion control.
- Stop stressing out. Stress doesn’t do the body any good- it throws off our hormones, throws off our sleep and can contribute to overeating among many other things. Adopt a meditation or other self-care practice that helps you stay in tune with yourself. Also, if you plan to enjoy a lot of food and you don’t get to the gym, just pick back up the next day! Plan to be in control, but don’t stress if you get out of control a few times. Try not to follow too many specific tips (like the water drinking mentioned above) because the more specific the tip, the more thrown off you’ll feel if you don’t stick to it.
The good thing about my list here is that it’s customizable to any individual person. The main goals are broad goals, but it’s the first step in taking control of your health for you to customize them yourself! Write them down in your journal or daily planner and stick to it. Start that New Year off on the right foot!
[/cmsmasters_text][/cmsmasters_column][/cmsmasters_row]