It might seem too early to be sharing healthy holiday tips, but last week I caught myself falling into the most dangerous trap of the holiday season–thinking that I shouldn’t worry about being more careful about my diet until after the holidays. Ay, yi, yi!
1. Take one day at a time. I was ready to throw in the towel because I was picturing the rest of the year as one big holiday season. But, even with all the holidays and birthdays our family will be celebrating over the next two months, there are still more “regular” days than special days. And, even on the special days, it is usually only one meal out of the day that’s indulgent.
2. Just say “No.” One of the major stressors of the holiday season is trying to “do it all,” and the hectic pace is even more stressful when you aren’t enjoying all the festivities. Remind yourself that you don’t have to accept every invitation or go to every holiday event. Decide which ones are most important to you and treat yourself (and your family) to a quiet evening at home every once in a while. Like rest days from a fitness program, down time can help you sustain your energy and get more enjoyment from holiday celebrations.
3. Stay active. Since I usually workout first thing in the morning, holiday events don’t usually interfere with my fitness program. But, sometimes late nights make it harder to get up when my alarm goes off at dark o’clock in the morning. That’s when having an arsenal of shorter workouts can come in handy–check out my treadmill workouts or use the 7 Minute App to design a 7-30 minute total body workout you can do anywhere. On days when you don’t have time to get sweaty, remember that a short walk will do wonders for your mental health, and is “worth it” even if it won’t burn off a lot of calories.
4. Say “No, thank you.” We’ve all encountered “food pushers” — people who urge you to try “just one” puffed pastry, or tell you that you really “must try” the gooey brownies, and don’t seem to take “no, thanks” for an answer. If you find yourself in this uncomfortable situation, remember that politely declining food that you don’t want/don’t like/don’t need is not being rude. Saying “No, thank you” should be enough, but when I feel like I need to say more, I may add: “It really looks delicious!” or “Oh, I’m just too full right now.”
5. Enjoy holiday meals. I have spent more than my share of holidays being on a diet and trying to take just 3 oz. of roasted turkey breast, 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes (hold the gravy), and the tiniest sliver of pie, but that approach never really worked for me. I usually ended up eating more calories than I wanted to count, which made me feel like I had “blown” my diet, which made me decide to eat all the pie so I could “start over” the next day. Now I approach holiday meals and parties from a different perspective, planning to enjoy the favorite foods that I don’t have the rest of year, and eating mindfully so I don’t stuff myself and feel miserable later.
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Join the Friday Five link up hosted by Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed Up for What?! for more healthy holiday tips.
What is your biggest challenge during the holiday season?
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Not over indulging is definitely my biggest challenge. But I’m trying to be more mindful of portion control so that I can enjoy holiday treats and meals, just not as much of them.
moving 😉
wait.
everyone doesnt move then?!?
xo
I’m right there with you-birthdays and holiday events so close together are a challenge for sure!
Saying No is something I am really bad at. I feel like if they made it and they want you to try it so I take a small vite of everything justto be nice.
I think that’s how we were raised. It’s one thing if it was made especially for you, but another if it’s an event with other people.
Important to always remember to take things one day at a time. Good perspective to remember.
Have a great weekend.
I cannot believe that it’s almost the holidays! GAH! How did that happen?
Great to see this post. I agree wholeheartedly and will share with my readers on my Facebook page. It’s right along the lines of addressing the stresses of the holidays, which is what I linked up at Virginia Bloggers today. Great minds think alike. I like all of your suggestions, but I think #1 is key at the holidays. If you eat healthy as part of your daily routine, one Christmas party will not be the end of the world.
So true!
These are great tips! It’s not easy staying healthy over the holidays but this certainly helps!
one day at a time, indeed. that is an excellent tip and so important to avoid feeling like “ugh, i’ve just blown it all.”
Ah yes the food pushers – I see you’ve met my inlaws 😉 I so agree with you about enjoying holiday meals, just in moderation – denial always backfires.
It backfires in such a big way!
I agree with #5. Enjoy. It’s all about moderation and not deprivation. Good tips.
Wow a month of celebrations! I’ve been getting better at saying “no” to every invite and social occasion. Sometimes I need me time or quality time with few close friends.
Yes, small gatherings with friends can be nourishing instead of draining!
First, I love your graphic and I hear ya on “just say no”.
Thanks! I hope you pinned it. 😉
My biggest problem is making it a whole season of gluttony and not just on or two special days.
Heard something at Weight Watchers I really liked, “It is a holiDAY, not a holiweek.” I think I will really work on remember that and only enjoying the actual holidays, and not going buck wild all season.
Biggest challenge? Saying no 🙂
Great tips! I can’t stand it when people just won’t let you say no, or start asking you if you need more food even before you’ve eaten what’s on your plate. HaHa! Love that you called them “food pushers!”
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