The holiday season is a very festive time of year that is full of family time, fun activities, gifts and night after night of indulgent feasts. The holidays, beginning on Thanksgiving and lasting all the way through New Year’s Day, typically revolve around food, which can be stressful and inevitably lead to some excess weight gain. On average, research shows that most people will gain up to a pound or more during this festive time of year. Additionally, it’s so easy to lose control after a few indulgent nights, which can lead to more excess weight gain over the year. It can be extremely difficult to get back to your pre-holiday regime after a few weeks of running around and shopping, enjoying sugary desserts, avoiding exercise, socializing and managing other demands.
Limit Indulging
You won’t gain weight from one night of indulging on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. Even though you are sure to attend numerous holiday parties and friendly get togethers, pick and choose wisely which events you would prefer to eat more at. This way, you still get to enjoy some delicious holiday goodies without sacrificing your waistline and health. Just because there are fresh homemade cookies from your coworkers at the office every week, doesn’t mean that you need to eat them!
Stress Less
Inevitably, the holiday season can be very stressful. Running around shopping for gifts, large get togethers with extended family and making sure to maintain a mindful budget while spoiling your loved ones can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Stress also tends to lead to emotional eating, so you want to make sure to take time to relax and rejuvenate at this time of year and take care of yourself.
Maintain Immunity
The holidays typically take place during the colder months of the year, which means that fluctuating weather patterns, holiday stress and sugary foods make you even more susceptible to the nasty cold that is going around your office. Nobody wants to get sick, especially during the holidays! Keep your immune system strong by consuming a nutritious diet, washing your hands often and staying away from people who are coughing, sneezing or displaying signs of a cold or the flu.
Watch the Liquor
A glass of wine here and there can be good for you, but indulging in too much liquor, or sugary drinks like spiced rum or eggnog can impact your immune system, lead to further poor diet choices and it can make you sick. If you do choose to drink at your holiday parties, make sure to stay properly hydrated in between drinks with mineral water or sparkling water with a fresh slice of lime or lemon.
Delegate
Juggling all the holiday responsibilities like working, cooking, buying gifts, decorating and staying social is very demanding and sometimes means you are taking on more than you can handle. Don’t forget to delegate tasks that you don’t necessarily need to do yourself! Whether it’s asking someone to help set the table, assist with gift wrapping or hosting a potluck instead of cooking everything by yourself, maintaining your mental health and sanity is just as important as your diet and nutrition.
Keep Exercising
It’s so easy to get off track during the holidays and skip a workout here and there, but if you can avoid it then try your best to stick to your usual routine. Exercise boosts endorphins and will help you feel good and remain stress free. Try to get your workout completed earlier in the day before you get distracted by other holiday obligations.
Sleep Well
Lack of sleep can make you overeat, which will leave you feeling extremely sluggish and it can also increase your risk of getting sick. Try to get at least six to nine hours every night so that you can feel well-rested and enjoy the fun activities that you have planned during the holiday season.
Focus on Family, Not Food
Food is a huge part of the holiday season, but that’s not what it’s all about. Focus on spending time with your loved ones and making lasting memories and enjoying each other’s company. If you overindulge in too much food you are likely to feel sluggish and end up sitting around on the couch watching TV instead of actively participating in family fun.
Our entire team at A New Me wish you and your families a healthy and happy holiday season! We look forward to another year of happiness and health, and we can’t wait to help you achieve your health and wellness goals in the new year. Contact us if you’re ready to kick start your weight loss and begin to feel healthier and more beautiful ASAP!
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