It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
You were just getting on track with your health goals. You were finally feeling motivation and seeing progress!
You’ve been making better food choices. Drinking more water. Eating less sugar. Getting movement in throughout the week.
Then, along comes the wonderful holiday season… with food and treats everywhere! The cooler temps have finally arrived; so water isn’t what you really want to drink. …and now more than before, who has time to exercise?!
“So what do holidays look like when you’re living a lifestyle of health? How can you win throughout the holiday season, without the “holiday 15” and requiring a crash recovery course on January 2nd?!
Here are some of the secrets I’ve learned that can help you make holidays, birthdays, parties and special occasions enjoyable and better for you!
- Start now. It doesn’t matter. Even if you’re in the middle of the holiday season. Start today and begin reaping the benefits of making even little lifestyle changes. It’s not too late, and sometimes beginning “tomorrow” doesn’t seem to happen.
- Be realistic. There’s no need to plan for weight loss from November to December; just plan to maintain, not gain.
- Eat breakfast. Skipping meals typically sets you up to fail later in the day, making you hungrier and more likely to fill up on the abundant holiday treats. Plus, breakfast is the perfect time to fit in green smoothies to help balance out whatever choices come later in the day.
- Stay active. Your gym routine, walk, or jog may be shortened, but some exercise is still better than none. The holidays are the perfect time of year to enjoy a brisk walk, to look at lights, to try ice-skating, or to do a short, home workout.
- Plan ahead. If you know you’re going to a party, balance the rest of your day’s eating accordingly. Eat lighter, plant-rich, nutrient-dense foods before the event. Limit yourself to a single trip through the food line. Have a snack (a green smoothie, veggie plate, or salad) before you go in order to
reduce the party munchies. - Sip wisely. Lattes, hot chocolate, cider, and other party drinks are usually loaded with empty calories and have little nutritional value. These drinks can easily lead to weight gain, especially when paired with other holiday goodies. Choose stevia or honey to sweeten hot beverages, sip sparkling waters, or use stevia-sweetened sodas as a base for your mixed beverages. You can also try stevia-sweetened bubbling ciders. Pick your favorite indulgent drinks in moderation.
- Try new recipes. Look for simple recipes from the endless possibilities on social media. Just a few simple modifications can tweak your favorites into healthful deliciousness, while experimenting with a few new ingredients can hook you on new favorites.
- Make and freeze ahead. Make a big pot of veggie- or bean-based soup or stew to freeze for a quick, nourishing meal during time crunches later in the month.”
You can start with these … but watch for the rest of the list coming next week!
Excerpt taken from Alisha’s book, Taste Radiant Living – 7 Simple and Delicious Secrets to Eating and Well-being.
