Eating Healthy over the Holidays

Hey Everyone!

Its that time of year again. The cookies have been baked, the turkey is stuffed, and the alcohol is flowing. I find the holidays one of the hardest times of year to maintain/ lose weight. There are so many family get togethers, with so many delicious temptations surrounding you.

Here are my tips on how to stay health during the holidays:

• Plan for it. You know its coming, every year at the end of December... At the beginning of the month try to really focus on your intensions, and why you eat what you eat. Are you bored? Emotional? Or actually hungry? Try reacting to situations in other ways besides consuming food. Carry this knowledge with you in to the Holiday season.
• Stay active. Even if eating plans go out the window, exercise routines don't have to. Go to the mall, and walk around for a few hours. Go into your basement, or your room, and lift some weights (A suitcase full of clothes, a can of soup, whatever is around you!). Buy a skipping rope from the dollar store and skip for 2 minutes, 5 times, with 1 minute intervals.
• Eat before. I find if i don't eat all day, and save up my calories for an evening get-together, I am starving by the time I get there, and end up consuming more than intended. Have a small, filling snack about 1 hour before you head to the party. This should include protein (such as trail mix, or peanut butter) to really fill you up for a long time.
• Avoid the food! Do not sit in a chair right beside the table full of goodies. Make yourself useful somewhere else in the house. Help set the table, carry food to others, pour drinks, anything to stay away from the food. If it is more of a mingling situation, stay near the veggie tray (and if they don't have one, offer to bring one!) This way you wont feel awkward eating nothing, but then you'll still be on track.
• Decide what is served. If the party is at your house, or a close family or friend's, serve food that fits in your diet plan. Bring a dip with all 'light' ingredients. Don't serve bowls of chips, if you know you're just going to eat them all. As previously mentioned, contribute to the menu by preparing a large veggie tray with some low-cal dip in the middle.
• Minimize the alcohol intake. Watch what you're drinking. Wine will have a lot fewer calories than coolers, or hard alcohol mixed with sugary mixes. Stick with what you know. For every glass of alcohol consumed, try alternating with a glass of water. This will ensure you stay hydrated, which will be noticable in your skin (and balance...)

I hope these tips are helpful!

xo

-jg

Please note: I am not a doctor, or a nutritionist. These posts are just from personal experience. Before making any lifestyles changes, consult your family doctor.