It’s getting cold and rainy here in Georgia (some of you have snow I’m sure!) With this change of weather comes a need for cuddling under blankets, warm drinks, and comfort foods. It also reminds me that some of my favorite holidays are coming! In my younger days this meant over eating, sitting on my tush, and throwing back a few cocktails. This left me feeling gross, sluggish, and not my best self. Sound familiar? If so, let’s look at some ways to keep yourself feeling in tip top shape during the holidays!
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
During the holidays, keep in mind, that one unhealthy day doesn’t equate to an unhealthy life. The same lies true for one healthy day doesn’t mean you’re living a healthy life. I use to be the worst at this. I’d binge on a pack of chocolate peanut butter cups then do an hour of a HIIT workout in my bedroom on top of my regular work out for the day. Guys, repeat after me: You cannot work off a bad diet. Take the moment, say “I screwed up, that’s okay” then move on.
Like a wise old owl, I now can look at a plate of sweets and think “I will be nauseated if I eat all of those.” Then, I take one, and walk away. Maybe I even eat a few extra carrots, but I shut off my mean girl mind and do not beat myself up. It causes a spiral of negativity and depression that no one should endure!
Keep Active
It gets dark fast, you’re traveling a lot, so where do you find time to work out? If you don’t have an indoor gym, make sure to bundle up, get outside, and breath in the fresh air! This is great for your mental well being too. If going outdoors is an absolute no go, then make sure to take some time and mindfully stretch in the peace of wherever you may be. Our bodies are meant to move and feel best when we’re moving it in ways it needs to move.
I find that if I only have 30 minutes and don’t feel like running, then writing up a HIIT body weight work out is great. I pick moves that I can do without requiring a lot of room. This is a great way to change up my workouts from running or yoga too!
Eat Plants Earlier
You know grandma makes the best pies and you’re going to eat a slice of every pie there. Why not front load your fruits and vegetables for the day? For breakfast, slice up some red peppers, cucumbers, or carrots and dip them in hummus. Or, make a veggie breakfast biscuit with hummus, avocado, onions, peppers, and spinach. Then when you only eat turkey and pie for supper you know you’ve got yourself covered from the morning without starving yourself. It can actually be worse for you to intermittently fast then fueling your body with junk. So start the day out right with some great veggies.
Bring Your Own Dish
If you fear that there won’t be any healthy options at a gathering, tell the host you want to help out and bring a plate too. Then, you won’t be offending anyone, but you can still have an option you know you can eat. I try hard to do this whenever we go places since I don’t like to broadcast that I don’t eat animals or animal products. Usually, people love what I bring too and are none the wise.
Drink Water, Then, Drink Some More
Water is vital for life. With all the sugar, alcohol, and fat consumption that occurs around the holidays, you need to ensure your body gets the water it needs. Water not only keeps your body optimally running, but it can help curb hunger cues. Sometimes, when the stomach is too empty, it can confuse thirst for hunger. Skip drinking your calories. Although I’m not a big calorie counter, I am a big nutrient counter and most drinks provide you with nothing but sugar. Drink a big glass of water in the morning with your plants for a healthier holiday!
Rest
The holidays can be stressful, even if you’re having fun. Keep your same sleep schedule. If you’re a 9p-5a person like I am, keep that schedule for the holidays. Your body needs this consistency and rest. Feeling well rested puts you in a better mood, decreases your appetite, and gives you the energy to workout (which gives you more energy!) Don’t skip this one or you may find yourself craving cheap, crap food, moody with everyone you encounter, and chugging coffee which can dehydrate you.
Tell People No
Don’t want to take that plate of food? Thank the host, but insist on leaving the food there. Really not feeling like staying up for another cocktail? Ensure everyone knows how much fun you had and how much it means that they want to stay up chatting with you, but that you must sleep. Keeping with your values and what holds true to your heart is important. It’s easy to go home and find yourself trying to please everyone or saying yes to things you want to scream no to (or is that just me?) . You have to care for yourself to have a good time and be able to care for others – don’t forget that!
What are your holiday plans? I want to hear about them!! Connect with me on IG, Facebook, or comment below!
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