Holidays can be a time of celebrating but also a challenging time of endless gifts of food and holiday gatherings. It’s time to take action now and construct the ultimate plan to manage your eating and exercise routine during the Thanksgiving to New Year stretch. The difference between maintaining your routine and gaining the typical one to two pounds is how you mentally manage your program.
The first thing to consider is getting rid of the baggage. It’s important to rid yourself of unhealthy mindsets that undermine your ability to feel good and stick to your healthy eating program. This is not the time for an all-or-none approach or an obsession with the quick fix. Plan specific strategies to overcome the inevitable minor obstacles.
Strive for progress not perfection. If you stick with your healthy eating program, say, 90 percent of the time and allow yourself a splurge 10 percent of the time, you’re on the right track. A scrumptious dessert or a lavish meal won’t ruin your health unless you let it.
Don’t deprive yourself by taking the food celibacy vow. This will only cause you to devour mounds of holiday goodies at the first celebration.
Take steps to avoid mindless, recreational eating. While some foods are more calorie-dense than others, no food will make you gain weight unless you eat too much of it. Consciously eat food you really want and make every bite count. Eat until you’re full, then stop!
Plan NOT to diet after the New Year. Anticipation of food restriction sets you up for binge-type eating over the holidays.
Be physically active every day. Staying on your regular exercise routine will help relieve stress and burn up extra calories.
When it’s your turn to serve or bring a dish, set an example and balance lean and light party foods with rich foods. There are plenty of low-fat and low-calorie substitutes that are amazingly tasty.
Remember to maintain perspective, take time to relax and enjoy the holidays.
Health and happiness, Kriss
(c) Kriss Brooks, Options. All Rights Reserved
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