Gillian’s Top Tips for surviving the holidays
It can be difficult to follow a healthy eating plan
during the Christmas holiday season, so I have compiled my top tips to help you
survive the holidays.
1. Remember to breathe. It’s the holidays—it’s
supposed to be a FUN time. Stress and anxiety are just as much hazards to your
health as skipping a workout, so take some time to de-stress. Start a book,
take a yoga class or soak in a bubble bath; do whatever soothes your soul.
2. Learn to say no. You don’t have to go to
every single party. Prioritize to avoid overextending yourself and to cut down
on those “special occasions” we use to excuse splurges. Don’t be afraid to
say no to the cake either.
3. Remember that the holidays themselves, which are
really only a few days, are the special occasions where you can treat yourself. The
entire holiday season, which lasts weeks, isn’t a free pass.
4. Get plenty of sleep. Aim for six to eight
hours of sleep every night. It may sound impossible, but your metabolism, your
energy level and your loved ones will thank you.
5. Bring your own healthy dish to every party or event that you get invited to. Not only do
you look like a saint for helping out the host, but more importantly, no matter
what is on the menu, you know you will have access to a healthy, low-calorie
meal you can feel good about.
6. When you do arrive at a holiday party, take a second
to survey the scene and see what your options are. Look for things
like raw veggies, fruit platters, cheese, nuts and lean meat. Stay away from
fatty calorie bombs like creamy dressings, dips, fried foods and sweets. Then
pick one or two more indulgent things you will give yourself permission to
enjoy—after you finish your veggies, of course.
7. Stay balanced. Don’t fall into the cycle of
gorging then restricting. Eat the same meals and small snacks you always do,
especially breakfast. Adjust for heavier meals by paring down the next ones,
but don’t skip them completely. It’s a recipe for weight gain, causing you to
overeat while stalling your metabolism.
8. Ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” If it’s your Aunty
Irene’s famous Meringue, then yes, it
might be. But if it’s half of a decapitated gingerbread man you found in the
break room, the answer is no.
9. Claim allergies. The easiest way to shoo away
unwanted treats from an acquaintance or someone you will never see again is to
claim you are allergic. You don’t even have to think up something you are
specifically allergic to—”No thanks, I’m allergic,” is all you need to say to
get them to kick rocks.
10. Make your holiday traditions active ones. Take
advantage of the crisp fresh air and go for a walk, take out that old bicycle,
join a hillwalking club; you can start small.
Pack your swimming trunks and go for a swim. Play games with your kids,
grandkids or borrow a kid as an excuse to do something active.
11. Work out in the morning. With everyone out
of school, off work, visiting and traveling, your days are going to be
unpredictable. Working out in the morning ensures it gets done, plus you’ll
have lasting energy for other activities during the rest of the day.
12. Avoid all or nothing thinking .One small
overindulgence doesn't mean you've 'blown your diet' or give you free licence
to go on a food fest! Simply put the indulgence behind you and move on and away
from the fridge!
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