The Holidays can be a challenging time to stay healthy!
There is so much going on, and much of the activity can take a toll on our overall health and well-being. Over the next 5 emails, I will identify a specific challenge and provide some tips and strategies to help you navigate the Holidays with ease!
Today we start with Healthy Eating through the Holidays, and there are as many different strategies as there are people, so the goal is to find what works for YOU!
How to deal with GOODIES EVERYWHERE!
Avoid them! As far as you have control, keep snacks and goodies out of sight and make them difficult to access, while keeping easy-to-grab-n'-go fruits and veggies visible.
You're doing the baking? Wrap up the goodies for serving or gifting immediately after baking and then freeze them or keep them out of sight until your event.
Watch your self-talk. When we tell ourselves we CAN'T have something, we tend to go into binge mode and eat MORE rather than less. Instead, tell yourself that you just don't NEED that right now, and walk away.
Hard candy. Try eating a lemon drop or small candy cane instead of that cupcake or cookie. They last longer, have way fewer calories, and give you that quick satisfaction you're looking for.
Eat more PLANTS. Opt for plant-based foods that are as close as possible to their natural source. Plants are magic!
INDULGENT MEALS
Practice moderation by using a smaller plate. We tend to fill our plates up, no matter the size. Use a desert plate for dinner (maybe always!) and you'll cut your calories significantly!
Don't go to the party HUNGRY. Just like they say that you shouldn't shop for groceries when you're hungry. We just don't have the power to make good choices! Snack on some carrots or an apple pre-party to help calm the hunger-monster.
Click this link for 100 delicious recipes for quick and healthy comfort foods to satisfy your desire for indulgence.
KEEP IT ON THE DOWN-LOW
Don't tell anyone that you're on a diet, or trying to watch your weight. This immediately opens you up to sabotage by well-meaning people who tell you how great you look and encourage you to just enjoy the day! Instead, eat light on the down-low and no-one will even notice!
DISTRACTION
When you're feeling munchy, go for a distraction like a brisk walk! Even pacing the floor, dancing to a tune, or calling a friend can be just the distraction you need for the munchy feeling to pass.
I hope that helps! If you have some tips and strategies to share, please send me an email at tamilynnphillips@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Enjoy - and stay healthy out there! ~ tami
P.S. If you're gearing up for a good start to the New Year, get ready to join us at X4health! Our kick-off party is JANUARY 2, with our regular classes beginning January 3. If you want to ENJOY your fitness program and actually have FUN working out, X4 is for YOU!
Our brand new X4 location is at 1030 Shaw Ave. in Clovis in front of the Sierra Vista Mall, right behind Golden One Credit Union.
Learn more about it at X4-health.com