The holidays are billed as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but our traditions can leave us feeling heavy, sluggish and pooped after the New Year’s Eve party is over. This year can be different, however, if you make a plan for getting through the festivities with some healthy holiday habits in place.
- Don’t abandon your exercise routine. It’s easy to go into full-on comfort mode when the sun sets so early and the weather is chilly. But keeping active can keep holiday weight gain at bay and relieve stress. One great way to stay accountable during the holidays is to sign up for an active event (think a 5K or a charity walk) in January, and make a training plan for the weeks leading up to the big day.
- Make time for reflection. All the shopping and entertaining during this time of year can leave a person mentally drained. Make time in your day (preferably first thing in the morning) to pray and reflect on what is it that these sacred days really mean, and how best to spend your time and resources. This can keep you calm and grounded in the midst of the rush.
- Think before you eat. Before you head to a party where the buffet table will be loaded with delicious—but mostly unhealthy—choices, eat a balanced and filling meal. This can curb your appetite in the moment of temptation. Fill up before hand on salad or other high-fiber foods, and you will be less likely to eat too many high-calorie hors d’eouvres and desserts.
- Avoid liquid calories. As delicious as that grande peppermint mocha latte sounds, it can pack as many as 400 calories. Ditto for eggnog and other rich holiday drinks. So sticking with water (or at least a non-fat version of your favorite coffee concoction) can pay big dividends when you step on the scales later.
- Bake it, but take it. If baking is one of your favorite holiday traditions, enjoy the activity without eating all of the deliciousness produced. Keep only a portion of the pies, cookies and cakes for your own family and give the others as gifts for friends, teachers and neighbors. The house will still smell good, but you won’t be up to your ears in pecan sandies and fudge bars.
