Start being more active now: Let’s face it, we all use the excuse of waiting for the New Year to turn over that new leaf. However, if you become more active now instead of waiting for January 1st, you might have less weight to lose. Do simple things like taking the stairs, using a work break for a 15 minute walk, walk your fur babies an extra 5 or 10 minutes, or park your car further out the next time you go shopping. All of these small extra minutes add up and might help burn off the extra calories you will consume from October through December.
Water, Water, Water: You probably hear this all of the time, but there is good reason for it. Drinking more water comes with several health benefits. It contains zero calories and sugars, it keeps your body hydrated inside and out, it flushes body waste, it can help you feel fuller before a meal, and it can aid in weight loss if you switch from soda to water. The list of benefits goes on and on. If you really do not like water because it isn’t flavored, then add some flavor. A little lemon or lime always helps. Water pitchers with built-in fruit infusers are very affordable and are a great way to add other flavors like kiwi, mint, strawberries, etc. Even flavored seltzer water is a better choice than soda. Start small and go from there. If you drink 4 sodas a day, start replacing 1 or 2 of those with water. Your health & your waistline will thank you.
Indulge in only the most special treats: There are always a few food items during the holidays that are true favorites. If you are going to consume an above average amount of food during the holidays, try saving it for what you love the most. I used to have a neighbor who gave us homemade divinity each Christmas. Nothing short of death would have made me miss out on that. This is the holidays and you should eat the food you look forward to all year long. The key isn’t giving those things up. They key is just being mindful. Sometimes we eat just for the sake of eating. Just check in with yourself before you eat that next holiday treat.
One cheat day a week: Another great way to indulge without the bulge is to give yourself a cheat day. If you know that a pot luck is coming up this Friday, you may want to eat really well leading up to that day. If you receive a box of chocolates, consider only having a couple of pieces each week when your cheat day comes around. When we reward ourselves for making good food choices, it will make that cheat day even better. You’ll say to yourself, “I’ve earned this!” and you’ll be right.
FOMO: “Fear of missing out” We all have been there and never more so than during the holidays. If you’re like me, you don’t want to miss a minute of anything fun, and that includes eating and drinking more around the holidays. No one is saying stop having fun, just have the kind of fun you want to have. For example, I had a friend whose family had a weigh-in as part of their Thanksgiving Day celebrations. They would weigh before dinner, and weigh in again after, and whoever gained the most weight “won.” Now I have to admit that sounded like a wonderful family tradition, but my friend was also 22 years old, weighed about 100 lbs., and was an avid runner. There might come a time in her life when she will still play the game, but she won’t really be in it to win it. When that time comes she will not be missing out, her family will still be her family, and life will go on. The point is, you don’t have to take everything to the extreme based solely on your fear of missing out on fun. The holidays are about family, friends, traditions, and creating special moments. I promise you’ll still be creating wonderful memories without that third slice of Aunt Peggy’s pecan pie.
I had a wonderful time in New York City at this year’s conference as I hope you did. It was great to talk to the many of you who stopped by our table at InfoShare.
Water, Water, Water: You probably hear this all of the time, but there is good reason for it. Drinking more water comes with several health benefits. It contains zero calories and sugars, it keeps your body hydrated inside and out, it flushes body waste, it can help you feel fuller before a meal, and it can aid in weight loss if you switch from soda to water. The list of benefits goes on and on. If you really do not like water because it isn’t flavored, then add some flavor. A little lemon or lime always helps. Water pitchers with built-in fruit infusers are very affordable and are a great way to add other flavors like kiwi, mint, strawberries, etc. Even flavored seltzer water is a better choice than soda. Start small and go from there. If you drink 4 sodas a day, start replacing 1 or 2 of those with water. Your health & your waistline will thank you.
Indulge in only the most special treats: There are always a few food items during the holidays that are true favorites. If you are going to consume an above average amount of food during the holidays, try saving it for what you love the most. I used to have a neighbor who gave us homemade divinity each Christmas. Nothing short of death would have made me miss out on that. This is the holidays and you should eat the food you look forward to all year long. The key isn’t giving those things up. They key is just being mindful. Sometimes we eat just for the sake of eating. Just check in with yourself before you eat that next holiday treat.
One cheat day a week: Another great way to indulge without the bulge is to give yourself a cheat day. If you know that a pot luck is coming up this Friday, you may want to eat really well leading up to that day. If you receive a box of chocolates, consider only having a couple of pieces each week when your cheat day comes around. When we reward ourselves for making good food choices, it will make that cheat day even better. You’ll say to yourself, “I’ve earned this!” and you’ll be right.
FOMO: “Fear of missing out” We all have been there and never more so than during the holidays. If you’re like me, you don’t want to miss a minute of anything fun, and that includes eating and drinking more around the holidays. No one is saying stop having fun, just have the kind of fun you want to have. For example, I had a friend whose family had a weigh-in as part of their Thanksgiving Day celebrations. They would weigh before dinner, and weigh in again after, and whoever gained the most weight “won.” Now I have to admit that sounded like a wonderful family tradition, but my friend was also 22 years old, weighed about 100 lbs., and was an avid runner. There might come a time in her life when she will still play the game, but she won’t really be in it to win it. When that time comes she will not be missing out, her family will still be her family, and life will go on. The point is, you don’t have to take everything to the extreme based solely on your fear of missing out on fun. The holidays are about family, friends, traditions, and creating special moments. I promise you’ll still be creating wonderful memories without that third slice of Aunt Peggy’s pecan pie.
I had a wonderful time in New York City at this year’s conference as I hope you did. It was great to talk to the many of you who stopped by our table at InfoShare.