Tips For a Fun and Healthy Holiday Season
It’s December (already!) Just like that the holidays are upon us. Such a wonderful time of year full of twinkling lights, sparkling eyes, bright smiles, and tons of family and friend gatherings. It is also full of busy schedules, temptations of yummy treats and buffet tables, and drinks that always seem to be refilled by awesome hosts. This time of year is a lot of fun! But, it's challenging to stay on track with our health and fitness lifestyles while enjoying all that the holidays have to offer. So, here are a few tricks to try along the way!
Going to a gathering? Try contributing a healthy dish. This ensures that you have something you can indulge in and gives others a healthy option. Also, go for the healthy dishes first. While enjoying the party try to stand more than an arms length away from that bowl of nuts or chips. You’ll be surprised at how much less you'll munch on them when they're out of reach. If the gathering is a full dinner, try to slow down your eating, focus on your chewing, enjoy the smell, the taste, and the texture. This lets you enjoy your meal more, and makes it more difficult to overindulge. Take sensible portions and use a smaller plate and smaller utensils. If you're having a drink try pouring it into a tall, skinny glass. If you're going to take a dessert, here's a yummy Gluten & Dairy Free Peanut Butter Cookie recipe!
Going Shopping? Try not to go on an empty stomach. The temptation of the food court is so much more difficult when you’re hungry. If you have to stop for a meal while you are out looking for that perfect gift, try a proper restaurant with healthy options, quieter surroundings, and avoid restaurants that have red in their colour schemes. Red is be proven to stimulate appetites! Who knew!
Treats Piling Up At The Office? To keep temptation at bay, keep healthy foods in your desk or close by. Try to keep the office goodies out of view. Put them in dark containers or on covered dishes. We actually eat more if they’re in clear see through containers. If you are going to allow yourself a splurge, eat a piece of fruit or vegetable first, go for a walk around the office first, or take a lap up and down a flight of stairs first.
Be a little more flexible this time of year. Plan to eat a little more. You’ll be less likely to overindulge if you allow yourself a little treat when the mood strikes. But, pick your treat wisely. Don’t waste your calories on something you can have anytime. Pick something special that you can’t have often. When you decide to enjoy one or two of those extra special homemade sugar cookies of Grandma's, change something else throughout the day; skip your usual latte, eat an extra hand full of raw veggies, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Last but never least, EXERCISE! If you can’t make your regular gym class try to do a few 10-15 minute spurts of exercise throughout the day. Be flexible enough to change up your workout routine. Take a different class at a different time if it fits better with your holiday schedule. Do you have visitors? Take them with you to your class. Or, how about trying some fun winter activities around the valley? You can go for a walk on the beach, snowshoe on the mountain, and a swim at a pool all in the same day! Ski, skate, run, walk, hike, bike, snowshoe, or swim. in our beautiful Valley the possibilities are endless!
Have a very Merry Christmas! All of us at BodyNetix would like to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season full of all the things you hold special. Thank you all for allowing us into your lives. We are fortunate and thankful for all the smiling faces that come through our door!
