Don’t just survive the holidays – Thrive through them
The holidays are hard. Your schedule gets busier, there are parties, life is hectic, and it seems like there are cookies EVERYWHERE! Don’t despair – It IS possible to make it through the holidays in one piece. Here are some tips to thrive this holiday season!
Stick with your normal routine when you can. Go to sleep at wake up at the same time every day. Go to the gym for your usual sessions. Our bodies thrive on routine so it’s important to keep your regular schedule. When you have to stay up late or skip a workout, that’s ok, but get right back on schedule the next day!
For a lot of people, food is a major issue at the holidays. This can be especially true if you’re seeing family or friends that trigger an emotional eating response. Eating well is hard in this situation. The first thing you need to do is keep your goals in mind. Whether you are trying to keep your healthy lifestyle or to lose a few pounds, keep this at the forefront of your brain when you’re making your plate.
If you know there won’t be good choices at an event your attending, or if you’re just not sure, bring a dish to share. When you’re making your plate, try to fill it mostly with vegetables and lean meat and then just take smaller portions of more decadent sides. Ask yourself when you put it on your plate “is this worth it?” if not just skip it.
When you get to dessert just have one. Again, make sure it’s worth it. A piece of pie from the grocery store bakery is not worth it. Something that your grandmother makes from scratch once a year might be. If you know that you can’t just have one without eating the whole tray, then I respectfully recommend you skip it. Sip on coffee or tea instead and enjoy the conversation with your family or friends.
If you have food pushers in your family or group of friends, please know that it’s ok to say “no”. It’s your body and you can make your own choices. Don’t feel pressured from other people to eat something you don’t want to!
If you end up eating the whole tray of cookies, move on with your life – don’t eat a whole pie too. Don’t beat yourself up. We all make mistakes. The next day when you wake up just start over. One night isn’t the end of the world – don’t let that one incident spiral your whole December down the drain.
After a dinner go for a walk. And another genius tip I just heard – if it’s too cold to walk go in the kitchen to help wash the dishes. Not only will it get you away from the food and get your body moving, but also the hostess will be grateful!
Remember that the holidays are supposed to be a time to enjoy the company of your family and friends. Try to enjoy them this year by making a plan and sticking to it!
Click the Image to checkout O.B. Training & Sports Performance’s Guide For Surviving The Holidays
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