The holidays can often provide nutritional challenges when you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Below I share some simple navigation tools for holiday meals, parties, treats, and more:
Start your mornings off right –
10oz of water immediately upon waking (this will flush your system)
5 minutes of heart-centered slow and deep breathing (this will calm your stress and center your emotions)
a minimum of 10 minutes of movement and exercise – or a full workout if you have time (this gets your blood moving and helps to pull you out of the winter slumber)
set your top three priorities for what needs to get done that day, and be okay if nothing else does (this helps to eliminate the stress – a huge cause of overconsumption)
Stay hydrated - drink enough water or tea throughout the day. Winters are dryer so hydration is important, plus it will help keep you from feeling that pull towards the holiday treats (maybe).
Eat a light breakfast (or skip breakfast) and eat a light lunch on days you know you will have a larger dinner or a holiday party. No need to count calories, but in general this will help to keep your total caloric count within normal range. (If you overate at a party, skipping breakfast the next morning can help by giving your digestive system a chance to recover. 😊)
Slow down while eating – be present and enjoy the experience without gorging. Slowing down and staying present will provide your body’s “full” signals time to present themselves. We often have a tendency to eat so fast that by the time we receive these signals we’ve eaten way more than we should.
Experience all the tastes with small bites and smaller portion sizes. This will also help the process of slowing down while eating.
Give yourself permission to go against the crowd and eat normal (healthy, whole foods and little or no desserts).
Or, follow the 80/20 rule for the holidays. Eat whole, healthy foods for 80 percent, and allow yourself leeway for the other 20 percent without regret (commit and give yourself permission to enjoy it).
Have fruit for dessert instead. Maybe not as much fun, but there are ways to get creative! Juicy fruits like grapes can be served frozen. Make a 100% frozen fruit sorbet. Slice citrus fruits and serve as a medley. Serve baked apples and pears with warming spices and a little honey. All of these can be very good for you in the winter and can be tasty as well.
Alternate alcohol with water. Keeps you hydrated, minimizes the potential for hangover, and controls your consumption while allowing you to always have something in your hand.
Get Moving! – Bundle up and take a walk or run outside, go to the gym, or do calisthenics in the comfort of your home.
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