It’s that time of the year again. It seems like there are endless parties and celebrations, Grandma’s cinnamon rolls, Mom’s sugar cookies, school parties, cookie swaps and where does it end? If it was one day or maybe even 2, we would be okay, most likely maintaining our weight. But when it’s months of celebration where food seems to be the center — from Halloween to the New Year, it’s a little more complicated.
It seems like no big deal because we will just make our New Year’s resolution to lose weight, just like the year before, right? Sound familiar? But the problem is, we don’t always follow through with those either.
Let’s do something different this holiday season. Let’s choose to maintain our weight, to stay healthy & fit, to feel good physically. It may seem impossible, but it’s not. Here are my top tips in no particular order for maintaining your weight through the holidays.
1. Sleep.
The more sleep-deprived you are, the higher the levels of cortisol in your body, which will increase your appetite. Your body also has a hard time processing sweet stuff when you’re lacking sleep. Plus, you make better choices when you are well-rested and if you’re sleeping, you’re not going to be binging on cookies late at night. So go to bed an hour early and catch up on those zzz’s.
2. Exercise. Stay active doing something you love for at least 30 minutes a day.
It not only improves your quality of life, reduces risks of diseases, and improves your stamina, but it also helps you control and maintain your weight. You are meant to move! Choose something you love so you’re more likely to stick with it.
3. Portion control! Don’t show up to an event hungry, because you are more likely to end up overeating.
Decide beforehand what you’re going to eat or not eat. Don’t let yourself have one of everything. If available, choose vegetables, fruit, & shrimp cocktail which are all low calorie and packed with nutrition. You are the one who decides what you put in your body. Better yet, be the one that brings the healthy option.
4. Set health goals before the new year. Don’t let them go out the window for the holidays but be intentional.
Write them down and share them with a friend that will help keep you accountable. You are more likely to follow through if it’s written down and shared. Are you going to sign up for a 5K or commit to drinking 8 glasses of water a day? Let her know!
5. Keep your calm. Stress leads to overeating.
Instead, make time for taking care of yourself. Meditate, go for a walk, take a bath, listen to music, or read a book. Do something that brings refreshment to your soul. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself permission to say NO. It’s okay not to be a part of every event there is.
6. Makeover your favorite cookies or Thanksgiving dishes by choosing healthy ingredients.
What about coconut oil instead of butter, maple syrup instead of sugar, or almond flour instead of white bleached flour? I have started doing this and we can still eat yummy things but without the guilt or the bulging waistline. Pinterest is loaded with so many fun recipe ideas. Give it a go and let me know what you think!
7. Finally…choose not to center the holidays only around food.
Enjoy the food you do decide to eat, don’t waste your calories on stuff you don’t even like! But choose your main focus to be the ONES you are celebrating with.
Make special memories together, enjoy the conversations, the caroling, the gift-giving, the decorating, the sledding. Make those things your focus.
So there you have it. Simple, but effective things that have helped me and I hope they will help you too! Wouldn’t it be so nice to enjoy this holiday season and not have to make your New Year’s resolution to lose the weight you gained over the holidays? You can do it! I believe in you.
Written by Camille Hanson.
Featured Image By Anita Austvika
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on theholisticpursuit.com.
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