Most people associate the holidays with weight gain: "Gaining a few pounds just comes with the season." It doesn't have to be that way! Turn over a new leaf, and think of the holidays as an opportunity to focus on self-care AND enjoyment.
Here are my top 5 ways to think of the season differently. Now, consider the holidays a time to:
1. Move More. With vacation time, you can give yourself the chance to MOVE MORE every day! Go for a long hike or a walk on the beach. Nourish your inner child by playing at the park: seize the jungle gym as workout equipment; climb the monkey bars, the poles, and the ropes; go up and down the slides.
2. Relish Each Mouthful! Consciously enjoy your food by eating slowly, whether at a big feast or during regular meals. Don't plow through your holiday plate: savor all the special, seasonal dishes; eat until you are pleasantly full, not stuffed. You may be running around in a holiday frenzy, but don't just grab food while rushing out the door. Make time to sit down and eat well; be present, free of papers, phone calls and emails.
3. Actively Enjoy Family Time. When you get together with family for the holidays, it's easy to just lounge and eat all day. While you're all together, take the opportunity to do different activities. You can exercise by going for family walks and playing family sports (e.g. basketball, football, soccer). You can also play games like Monopoly, Twister, Risk, Trivia, and more. Even going out for a family movie is a good way to get up and about.
4. Get Your Sleep. Seize the opportunity to get quality rest. This will give you more daily energy for festivities. Plus, getting enough sleep boosts weight loss! If you get fatigued, nap rather than eat. Think of it as supporting leanness instead of giving into gluttony.
5. Contribute Healthy Recipes. Whether you are hosting or attending holiday parties, bring healthy dishes to the table. Don't go completely off-menu and deprive yourself of family favorite dishes; but do make as many healthy substitutions as possible. As you introduce some healthy (but still delicious) twists on tradition, bring the whole family in to help you cook!
Deborah is the Health Director for Organic Liaison, has been a Registered Dietitian for over 16 years, counseling clients on nutrition and fitness, and is the author of 200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life published by McGraw-Hill, Inc. Her mission is to educate Organic Liaison members to achieve optimal wellness through balanced eating and exercise. For more on Deborah - click here.
