Thriving In The Holidays - Part 2: Body
I don't need to tell you that one of the biggest challenges of this time of year is taking care of our bodies.
Parties here, cookies there, and throw in a huge holiday meal every couple of weeks; it's no wonder many of us gain weight over the holidays.
On top of that, for many of us the weather is getting colder and our schedules are getting busier.
That dual situation can lure us away from any kind of routine exercise program and cause plenty of stress.
So how can we avoid gaining weight this holiday season?I have several tips.
SPREAD IT AROUND-If you host a large dinner or party, send most of your leftovers home with others.
Your friends and family will appreciate the gesture and you won't be munching fattening foods for a week.
CHOOSE WISELY- When you're at parties and holiday dinners, choose a small portion of everything you enjoy.
Avoid eating unconsciously.
Just because it's on the table or buffet does not mean you have to eat it.
Choose foods you truly enjoy and don't get to have very often.
BAKE WITH INTENTION- Make only slightly more cookies and candy than you need for entertaining or gifts.
It's part of many families' traditions to both make cookies and eat them during the holidays.
You can still do that, just plan to make only a dozen or two extra instead of having tins of cookies lying around the house for weeks.
If you find yourself with too much, take the extras to work, church, a local charity, or school.
It will most certainly be appreciated.
PLAN YOUR MEALS AROUND PARTIES-It may seem like it, but highly caloric and fattening food does not surround you 24/7 during the holidays.
Make your routine meals during this time healthy and nutritious.
Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Plan your menu based on what's going on during the week.
When you foresee a holiday meal or party, be sure to lighten up and pack your other meals full of healthy foods.
BUNDLE UP-I know it's cold for many of us, but get outside anyway.
Take a walk, sled with the kids, go cross-country skiing; anything to get you moving and burning calories.
Check out the local forecast at the beginning of the week and pick a couple of the warmer days to plan some sort of outdoor activity.
If you just can't take the cold, get to the gym or pop in an exercise DVD a couple of times during the week.
Not only will you balance those extra treats you're eating by burning calories, your body will reward you with more energy to do all you need to do in this season.
MOST IMPORTANTLY- Once you choose to eat a treat, cookie, hunk of beef, candy cane, etc.
, I only have one more rule - ENJOY IT!!This is the most important thing.
Choose wisely and take the time to consciously enjoy every bite.
Look at it, smell it, taste it, and appreciate it.
Getting the full enjoyment out of every bite will help you to be satisfied and not over-indulge.
Parties here, cookies there, and throw in a huge holiday meal every couple of weeks; it's no wonder many of us gain weight over the holidays.
On top of that, for many of us the weather is getting colder and our schedules are getting busier.
That dual situation can lure us away from any kind of routine exercise program and cause plenty of stress.
So how can we avoid gaining weight this holiday season?I have several tips.
SPREAD IT AROUND-If you host a large dinner or party, send most of your leftovers home with others.
Your friends and family will appreciate the gesture and you won't be munching fattening foods for a week.
CHOOSE WISELY- When you're at parties and holiday dinners, choose a small portion of everything you enjoy.
Avoid eating unconsciously.
Just because it's on the table or buffet does not mean you have to eat it.
Choose foods you truly enjoy and don't get to have very often.
BAKE WITH INTENTION- Make only slightly more cookies and candy than you need for entertaining or gifts.
It's part of many families' traditions to both make cookies and eat them during the holidays.
You can still do that, just plan to make only a dozen or two extra instead of having tins of cookies lying around the house for weeks.
If you find yourself with too much, take the extras to work, church, a local charity, or school.
It will most certainly be appreciated.
PLAN YOUR MEALS AROUND PARTIES-It may seem like it, but highly caloric and fattening food does not surround you 24/7 during the holidays.
Make your routine meals during this time healthy and nutritious.
Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Plan your menu based on what's going on during the week.
When you foresee a holiday meal or party, be sure to lighten up and pack your other meals full of healthy foods.
BUNDLE UP-I know it's cold for many of us, but get outside anyway.
Take a walk, sled with the kids, go cross-country skiing; anything to get you moving and burning calories.
Check out the local forecast at the beginning of the week and pick a couple of the warmer days to plan some sort of outdoor activity.
If you just can't take the cold, get to the gym or pop in an exercise DVD a couple of times during the week.
Not only will you balance those extra treats you're eating by burning calories, your body will reward you with more energy to do all you need to do in this season.
MOST IMPORTANTLY- Once you choose to eat a treat, cookie, hunk of beef, candy cane, etc.
, I only have one more rule - ENJOY IT!!This is the most important thing.
Choose wisely and take the time to consciously enjoy every bite.
Look at it, smell it, taste it, and appreciate it.
Getting the full enjoyment out of every bite will help you to be satisfied and not over-indulge.