Feel your Best during the Holidays

Sticking to a healthy eating plan and regular exercise can be challenging, no matter what time of year. Undoubtedly, the holiday season, along with its social gatherings and excessive amount of baked goods, is the toughest time of year to indulge with moderation. It feels like there’s temptation at every corner, from school parties to family gatherings and holiday parties and with Thanksgiving next week this is when it all starts right?!? I don’t know about you but I just feel better when I take care of myself by eating healthy food and moving my body. 

I’ve been out of the gym for a while now with travel and recently having Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer and it’s already starting to wear on me. I am so ready to get back on track and just feel comfortable in my own body again. 

The good news is that with a little strategic planning you can keep yourself on track during the holidays instead of wishing you had made better choices. Here are some of my favorite tips:

Always plan ahead.

If you’re attending an event, try eating a high protein snack before you get there. The protein will keep you fuller longer than a high carbohydrate snack and we all know that making good food choices is easier when you’re not starving. This is a great time to have my favorite superfoods smoothie filled with superfoods and healthy protein.

Watch what you drink.

Your liquid calories are just as important as the ones you eat. Drink lots of water to stay well hydrated! 

Focus on the holidays, not the food.

The holidays are really about spending time with the people we love, creating memories and celebrating traditions. Find different things to do with your loved ones that don’t revolve around food. Stay active together, try a new exercise class together, go ice-skating, or even take a painting class to create memories revolving around the fun you had instead of what you ate.

Avoid emotional eating.

For some of us (myself included) this can be easier said than done. Along with food, the holidays also bring extra stress and turning to food for comfort is especially easy this time of year because there’s so much of it around. No matter how busy you are make sure to take at least 30 minutes for yourself every day. Go for a walk, meditate, read a book, write in a journal; anything you enjoy that will help you feel centered and in control of your feelings.

Make exercise a priority.

Don’t skip your morning workout because you overindulged the night before. Instead use it as motivation to get you out of bed and give your workout everything you’ve got. Sneak in exercise as much as you can, try taking the stairs, doing sit-ups during TV commercials, parking a little further from the store, walking a few extra blocks before jumping into a cab. Any extra time you spend raising your heart rate is better than not doing anything at all, and you won’t feel as bad if you do skip a workout or two.

I’d love to know what are your favorite ways to stay on track during the holidays? And what is your favorite thing to indulge in? I’m a sucker for holiday egg nog!