Here we are again in the midst of the holiday season, full of friends, celebrations, food and spirit. Yet, we often find ourselves full of stress, anxiety and challenges. We eat and drink too much, we don’t get enough sleep and there is not enough hours in the day to get our list done. Keeping a healthy body and a healthy mind through the holidays is possible. We just need to make good choices and follow some healthy tips!
Create and stick to a plan. Think about what brings you challenges during the holidays. Pick two areas to let go of(i.e. sending out cards or avoiding deserts) and two areas to stick to (i.e.. quality time with your kids or eating healthy snacks ).
Never ever skip breakfast or any meal. Start your day with protein (eggs, yogurt with granola, peanut butter on whole wheat, toast, cottage cheese with berries) and you will stay satisfied and energized for the morning.
Exercise: Nothing but an emergency should come between you and your workout. Maintaining your exercise schedule will help you to let go and keep your stress levels down.
Use the Rule of 2 to consume less. Pick two of the following three at holiday gatherings: Appetizer, drink, dessert.
Meditate for 10-15 minutes every day. Breathe in to the count of 3-4 and breathe out to the count of 6-8. Breathe in something you want more of ( i.e.confidence or compassion). Breathe out something you want to let go of (i.e. anxiety or negativity). Find a quiet place to do so.
Practice portion control with visuals. The size of a checkbook=4 oz of grilled fish. A golf ball = 1/4 dried fruit of 2 tbl. peanut butter. A tennis ball= 1 cup salad, frozen yogurt, ice cream or medium piece of fruit. Deck of cards=3 oz cooked meat. 4 dice= 1 oz cheese. baseball=1 cup of cold cereal. Matchbook= 1 tsp oil, mayo, dressing
Use the 1/2 Rule: Fill half your plate with veggies, the other half with protein and starch
Beware of beverages: Choose sparkling waters instead of punches and sweetened juices. Keep alcoholic calories to a minimum. They are empty calories that add up fast!
Eat Fiber: Almonds, oatmeal, salads, and vegies help to control blood sugar and appetite.
This is enough… We don’t have to know everything and we don’t have to be everything. At any given moment this is enough. And if this is enough you are in abundance. And if you have abundance you are so appreciative and thankful!
