November 23, 2016
‘Tis the season to be jolly. And to beautifully decorate your home for the season. And to spend time with family and friends. And to search for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. And to attend family gatherings, neighborhood gatherings, office gatherings, colleague/client gatherings, and friend gatherings. And to prepare the most delicious dessert/appetizer/side dish for each gathering and creatively display it on a lovely platter. And when it’s all over, then it is time to set new goals, make resolutions, and recover and reset from the fun and festivities of the entire season. I’m exhausted just thinking about it! In the spirit of the season, why not come up with a healthy plan for yourself before this season begins? Allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy the fun and excitement of the holidays without feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and wake up on New Year’s Day feeling like you’re ready to kick off the New Year!
Eat Well
Cookies, and fudge, and eggnog…. Oh my! The sweet and savory tastes of the season are soon to be surrounding us. You deserve the opportunity to enjoy your holiday favorites that only make an appearance during this time of the year. But do so with control and moderation, and you won’t feel weighed down by the end of the season. Take a few tips to execute a reasonable yet enjoyable plan for food:
- Eat clean at home. Stock your shelves with healthy foods, so you are sure to stay on track when you’re not engaging in a celebration.
- Make each holiday/party a one-meal indulgence. Don’t carry over the stuffing, gravy and mashed potatoes to the next day. Easy to do when you’re not hosting the event. If you are the host, send your guests home with a generous serving of leftovers.
- Bring a healthy dish to share. If the host is asking for the guests to bring a food item, then make sure yours is clean and healthy! You will be guaranteed at least one healthy option at that meal.
- Eat smaller meals leading up to the event. Starving yourself all day long will result in over-eating.
- Choose your true favorites. Identify the seasonal goodies that are your absolute favorites, and enjoy them! If eggnog does nothing for your palate, then skip it! Save the calories for Grandma’s pumpkin pie and enjoy every last bite of it.
- Beware of liquid calories. Calories can sneak up on you, when you are not chewing them. Be mindful of the calories packed into your favorite seasonal beverage.
Stay/Get Active
If you are already committed to a regular exercise program, don’t let the events of the holidays get in the way. Keep those workouts on your schedule! If you’re not already exercising on a regular basis, this is a great time to get started! Why wait until January 1? Dust off the stationary bike in your basement, head out for a walk around your neighborhood, or take advantage of the winter weather and go skiing, snowboarding, sledding or skating. Staying active will help to keep your energy levels up so you can make it through the season without crashing.
De-stress
This season is intended to bring feelings joy and love, but it often brings along loads of stress for some. Doing too much. Eating and drinking too much. Spending too much. Too much family. Take a moment to look at the big picture and set the parameters for yourself BEFORE you end up completely and totally stressed out.
Don’t over commit your time to each and every party invite you receive. Choose the ones that are truly desirable and exciting for you. It is not necessary to say yes to every invitation.
Set a budget for yourself and your family and stick to it! There are so many gifts to buy for so many different people, it can run up a rather large tab.
Designate an end time for yourself for each event, so you don’t overdo it. Also come up with an exit plan, if the night isn’t going as you hoped or you’ve reached your threshold of family time with Uncle Fred.
Safety First
Never, ever drink and drive! Make sure you have a designated driver or money for a cab, if you plan to enjoy a few drinks.
Rest and Recharge
Stay hydrated. Wash your hands. Dress appropriately for the weather. And most importantly, SLEEP! You will be able to enjoy all of the fun and excitement of the holidays if you stay healthy and are well rested. Throw on your sweatpants, cozy up next to the fire, and take a nap on a free day. Your body will thank you!