Tips to Stay on Track During the Holidays, part 2

The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also be a time to get off track with your diet. Most of us know that the holidays are a time when we might indulge in too many treats and not enough healthy foods. This is especially true if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight.

This is part two of our series of tips for staying on track during the holidays (see Part 1), including making a plan and sticking to a routine, how to make healthier food choices and ways to stay active, and keeping your guilt from taking over.

Now on to the tips…

Ditch the Big Bads

Ditching the Big Bads means, enjoy the pie without the whipped cream. Watch the alcohol consumption. Use low-fat versions of dairy and substitute healthy sweeteners for sugar. If you’re cooking, take control of the ingredients in your dish. Instead of butter use olive oil, instead of sugar use cinnamon or fruit, etc.

Wait before piling on second helpings

It takes our brains approximately 10 minutes o understand that we’ve had enough. So, instead of springing out of your chair for another round of yumminess, wait 10 minutes and see if you really want it then.

Plan some physical activity before or after the Big Meal

Plan some physical activity before or after the Big Meal. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. Have a video workout ready. Throw the football around.

Stick to Your Routine

Don’t skip out on your workout just because it’s a holiday! Keep your workout schedule, even if it’s less intense. Keep the rest of the routine intact as well, with your journaling, meditation, etc.

Eat before you go

If you go shopping, be sure to eat something first. Then you won’t be as tempted by the mall’s food court or a barista’s high-fat concoction of calories.

If you are going to a gathering where you might be tempted to over-indulge or eat something you shouldn’t, consider eating before you go. This will reduce the chance you’ll be hungry and end up eating something unhealthy.

Make Smart Choices

Remember that, while food is great, the holidays are about celebrating our blessings, which include the ability to make smart choices and commit to our health. You do not have to ruin your health goals because of the holiday season. It is simply one time of year where healthy eating usually takes a back seat to indulgence.

If you slipped up one day (and who hasn’t?), don’t beat yourself up over it! Let your guilt inspire you to do better with your diet or workout plan next time. You don’t have to feel guilty, you just need to be smart about it!

So, enjoy moderately and think of a major holiday as just ONE SINGLE DAY on the calendar, not an excuse to give up hope or two solid months!

The holidays are a special time of year, but if you don’t take care of yourself, they can become a time where you start to give up. Make a plan so that you can have fun and stay healthy this season!

So, use these tips and have a happy, healthy holiday season!!!