Ugh…the Holidays are the best and worst of times, right!!!! Especially if you are buy focusing on specific health goals. Here are 5 holiday tips to keep you on track and sail right into January, so you aren’t left saying “screw this” – I will start in January. If you don’t see the answer you need here…post a question in our Facebook group.
Our 5 Holiday Tips…
Holiday Tip 1: Most important – stay hydrated.
Focus on drinking 8oz. of water when you wake up, before you go to bed and before all your meals. Add more as needed, especially if you are working out, or going on a shopping marathon for gifts. Hydration will keep you feeling better, and also prevent you from grabbing all the junky snacks while out shopping. At parties – for every one alcoholic drink you have, have a full class of water before another drink. This ensures you stay hydrated, and you will overall drink less.
Want to avoid alcohol all together at the parties? Try seltzer water with a twist of lime or lemon in it. This way you have something in your class. Ask whoever is serving to put your seltzer water in the same glass they would have poured your wine or cocktail.
Want a few additional holiday tips – check out our: Skinny Cocktails
Holiday Tip 2: Focus daily on Protein, Fat, Fiber and Greens.
When your meals encompass all 4 of these you will stay fuller, keep your blood sugar balanced and ensure you are getting the nutrients you need. When it comes to carbohydrates think of one ingredient carbohydrates – rice, potatoes, beans and legumes.
Holiday Tip 3: On party day – don’t skip meals!
If you are going to a party in the evening, have your regular breakfast, lunch and small snack before the party. You don’t want to go to any event super hungry. This will for sure cause you to overeat, and worse, may upset your stomach causing bloating or gas.
Holiday Tip 4: Indulge with JUST your favorites!
While at the party, pick your favorites! That is right, choose the party dishes that you enjoy most. Put them on your plate and then walk away from the food tables. You are 25% more likely to keep eating when full if you stand next to the table.
Holiday Tip 5: Sugar.
Yes, we know that holidays are full of baking and desserts. You can still enjoy them during this special time. Key – don’t eat them alone (have them after a meal that has protein and veggies), don’t eat them before bed, and don’t pair them with alcohol (we will discuss this more in the next email but alcohol turns into pure sugar). Just like tip 4, eat your favorites!!! Love fudge, have that and skip the rest. Simple tip I use, tell anyone that questions you I am choosing to have Grandmas home made cinnamon rolls instead of the store bought cookies. You can check out all our holiday recipes here!
Moderation is key here, and we know you absolutely can do this!
And finally – our best advice for the days you want to enjoy the holiday foods – get in some movement! This doesn’t have to be a full on workout, but a family walk together is perfect! Move, and use the 5 holiday tips above to sail right into a happy and healthy New Year!