Get tips and tricks that will help you manage a healthier lifestyle over the holidays without sacrificing any of the things that make the holiday season so enjoyable.
The holiday season is definitely here. People are taking out their decorations, buying gifts, and looking forward to vacation time.
For most, Christmas is a time of celebration and family, a much-needed break from the routines and tasks of the year, and of course, holiday feasts and treats.
In fact, surveys showed that 42% of Americans allow themselves to take a break from eating healthy around this time and even expect to gain a few pounds.
Although a pound or two does not seem like much, 24% of Americans also still carry the weight they gained from the previous year. Over time, these pounds can add up and lead to obesity which brings with it many related health problems.
But, with Christmas supposedly for relaxation and good cheer, how can one enjoy the holidays without worrying about losing track of health goals?
Read on for some helpful tips:
Make a schedule
Stressful events can trigger unhealthy eating, and holidays are no exception.
Even though Christmas is a season for joy, it can still be stressful and busy.
With all the changes in routine, parties, and people, it is easy to feel overwhelmed instead of relaxed. Planning a schedule for the extra activities can bring some order and calmness to the chaos.
Simplifying your plans, such as when decorating or buying gifts, can help you focus on your goals.
Writing down your menu can give you focus on what foods to prepare, which can help you stay on track. Additionally, putting in the time to sit down and enjoy meals and exercise can go a long way in setting you up for a good healthy holiday routine.
Think balance and flexibility
Christmas is associated with so many good, and often rare, foods that it is easy to indulge and feel bad afterward.
However, instead of thinking of food with guilt, it is better to focus on balance.
Indeed, a good weight loss plan will often use points rather than labeling foods as good and bad.
This means including a variety of foods to get the nutrients that the body needs instead of rigid restrictions.
Plan your Christmas dinner to have different options. If you are going to a potluck, you can bring your own healthy dish so you are sure to have something you can eat.
Fill your plate with a balanced meal before indulging in the treats. You can still enjoy the foods you love while keeping your body nourished and happy.
Set up for success
While you can still have wonderful Christmas sweets and treats, making your environment more conducive to a healthy lifestyle can be of help.
The odds of making healthy choices can be affected by more exposure to those options.
Organizing your environment can help lessen the stress of sticking to your goals.
While doing your holiday shopping, buy filling and nutritious food items to make sure you get your nutrients.
You can also organize your fridge and pantry to see the nutritious options first. You can also be more prepared to stay healthy by sticking to your routine physical activities such as home exercises.
Bounce back
It is important to remember that Christmas is also a time to be kind, not only to others but also to yourself.
If you do find yourself indulging more than usual or losing track of some of your weight or health goals, do not be too hard on yourself. Practicing self-compassion can decrease your stress and help you focus on getting back on track faster.
Try to relax and cherish each moment instead of focusing on the negatives. Take this time to not only be closer to friends and family but also to reflect, rest, and recover.
Write down your goals and look forward to them with positivity, and set your mind to achieving them, even if it’s after the holidays. This way, you can better enjoy the season and prepare yourself for the next with excitement.
Try out these tips over the holidays and discover how possible it is to have an incredible season and honor your health goals!
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