The holiday season can be a stressful time of year, not only because of the pressure of planning gatherings and celebrations, but also because it can be more of a challenge to stay on track with your health goals! Here at 30/10 we want to make this holiday season as stress free as possible, so here are some tips to help!
Plan Ahead
The first and most important thing you can do to help yourself stay on track with your weight loss goals is to plan ahead! If you know there will be holiday parties where you may be tempted by food and beverages, come up with a plan for how you can still focus on your goals while also celebrating this holiday season! Some ideas are bringing healthy alternatives for your favorite dishes for yourself (and others) to enjoy! This could be mashed cauliflower, sautéed or roasted vegetables, homemade deviled eggs, or even a veggie tray! If you prefer to not bring food with you, eat a snack or meal ahead of time, and bring extra snacks for when you feel the need to indulge.
Focus on People More Than Food
Be tempted by connection instead of food this holiday season. Try engaging in conversation more than you normally would and catch up with family and friends! If you prefer an activity for all to enjoy, playing cards games or going for a family walk is another great way to keep you busy and away from the food table. If your family snacks while playing games, try keeping your hands busy with the game and keep your water bottle next to you if you are craving alcohol. You can also make it a challenge if you are at a work party to learn a new fact about each person there! By the time you have engaged in conversation with everyone, the party will be close to over!
Offer to be the DD for the Party
Save on calories by not drinking alcoholic beverages and offer to be the DD for friends and family instead. Rather than having a cocktail, enjoy sparkling water, unsweetened iced tea, or a club soda with a squeeze of lime for a delicious mocktail!
Practice Moderation and Portion Control
If it is hard to have full control over your holiday meal, this would be the time to practice moderation. Setting limits helps set yourself up for success towards your goals. If you plan to have an alcoholic beverage, have no more than one to two. If you have multiple holiday parties coming up, it is better to practice moderation at each gathering rather than overindulging at one party prior to the rest. It is also important to stick to your portion sizes, having a proper protein portion, a side salad, and a delicious vegetable side dish!
Merry Fitmas!
Just because it is the holiday season doesn’t mean you should skip on your workout! Schedule time prior to gatherings to go for a walk or engage in winter activities such as ice skating and holiday-themed 5ks. Plus, keeping up with an exercise routine will help manage stress levels, and also benefits your mental and physical health!
Start Your New Year’s Goals Early!
Use the month of December as a starting point for your New Year’s goals! By the time January hits, you will already be in the swing of your new habits!
Make this holiday season one that you look back on and be proud of! No matter how challenging it may be, you won’t regret achieving your goals! Have a happy holidays from your 30/10 Family!
