Keep holiday breakdowns minimal and keep the fudge pounds off by having a plan. We all know it’s the holidays, filled with parties and gatherings where meals and the menus are often out of your control. Having a plan to deal with situations is key to your success! Here are 5 tips to help you stay in charge!
1) Plan, plan, plan. Get out a calendar for the month and write down all of your parties and commitments. Plan your workouts, days off, travel days, meetings, parties, everything you can think of. There are going to be days where you can’t get in a workout and days where both lunch and dinner are going to be a party type setting. These are the days you need to have a plan for the most. Always bring plenty of back up snacks in the event you can’t find anything healthy to eat. If you travel, pack snacks and healthy options and avoid unhealthy and very expensive airport food. If your carry on is filled with healthy options, you are less likely to nibble on unhealthy snacks or have to settle for less healthy options.
2) Snap of out it! Keep a reminder of all the hard work you have put in to take care of yourself. Try wearing a rubber band around your wrist. When you find yourself in a challenging situation, Snap yourself out it! Literally! Snap your rubber band and remind yourself of your commitment to you and your health. This is a friendly reminder to yourself, that while a treat may taste good on occasion, overdoing it will leave you feeling more jiggle than jingle!
3) Celebrate being healthy! A sweet treat is okay every now and then, but most people tend to overdo it during the holidays because the sugary, sweet temptations and savory home cooked comfort foods are readily available this time of year. Always offer to bring a dish along and encourage pot luck type dinners when you can. This way you can nibble on several dishes, keeping portion sizes small and relying on the dish you bring, knowing it is healthy. Encourage your friends and loved ones to celebrate being healthy, if you are going to party, bring the healthiest, tastiest dish you can. Find a cookie or desert recipe and make it healthier. Create a dish with the freshest, healthiest ingredients you can find and keep it seasonal for an extra special touch! ‘Tis the season to celebrate our blessings, our life and feeling good!
4) Make a new tradition! Be the instigator in your family or work circle and challenge everyone to make new traditions focused on health and fitness. Find a Jingle Bell 5K run/walk and encourage everyone to join in. Plan a group bowling night, rock climbing day or roller skating adventure that the whole family can enjoy and put the focus on doing something and being active. If the weather limits your options, go virtual! Get a fun workout DVD or if you have the means, a WII system and get active in the comforts of your own home!
5) Enjoy the season! The holidays are wonderful. The season of giving and honoring all that we have. Keep the focus on being the best you can be and the healthiest you can be. Feeling good is a key, excess sugar, heavy foods and overeating won’t leave you feeling very festive, so switch your focus to the things that will. Make sure to plan time to workout and relax, in addition to the hustle of work, family and school activities. This will keep you balanced, in control and much better prepared for all the joy that the holidays can be...without the guilt! Jingle on!
