My favorite part about the holidays is getting to hang out with my family and socialize with old friends from my hometown. My second favorite? The food! The thousands of gatherings and celebrations associated with my holiday experience can present bountiful opportunities to over-indulge, under-exercise and end up feeling guilty and sluggish. Here are a few tips for sticking
- Indulge freely and moderately. Let’s face it, there are just too many temptations and delicious foods around the holidays to pretend we won’t indulge, as we normally do. Instead of setting an unrealistic expectation that this year you will not have any of Aunt Maria’s famous pecan pie, give yourself the permission to have a slice. The intense feelings of guilt and defeat that come with eating “outside your diet” can often ironically promote compulsive eating. Instead, allow yourself to satisfy an urge guilt-free and notice how you’ll feel more emotionally and physically satisfied with just one slice. Maintaining positive thoughts around your eating experiences during the holidays will also make it more likely that you will stick to your normal, every day diet during the non-party days.
- Make an exercise plan. Make it a point to stick to your fitness routine this winter by planning before the holidays start. “Actually write down your days off from work, your trips, and other events,” says Chuck Bartlett, who coaches more than 100 runners in the Seattle area. “Figure out when you’ll likely be able to run and when you definitely won’t be able to run.” Then you can pencil in workouts on days you know you’ll be around and schedule days off to coincide with travel days, family visits, and the like.
- Pamper yourself. Staying emotionally fit is important for keeping a trim tummy. And pampering yourself is one fool-proof way to elevate your mental well being! Try taking time (and a little money) for things you normally put off or think of as “luxuries.” For example, meditate or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques, like Tai Chi or Yoga. Get a massage – it can be beneficial for the mind and body. And give yourself the easiest luxury of all: rest! Take a nap mid-day or attempt to get an additional half hour of sleep at night than you normally would. The “small stuff” makes a difference!
While we are bound to experience some level of stress, holiday burnout or anxiety that may lead to overeating, make sure you’re paying attention to what your body, mind and soul need! Take proactive steps to fight the physical and emotional “bulge” before the anxiety and fatigue settle in.
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